So Cruel, yet so Beautiful. [ON HOLD]

Chapter 31 - Loved and Lost

"She was her own star, shining bright in the dark."

*Alexandra*

Matthew and I were walking back towards the house. We were talking about a few things as he tried to lift my spirits. It was going well until we saw Conrad and Raymond sprint towards us. 

I barely got to ask them a question when Raymond said, "It's Avery., she's in trouble."

"Wait, how do you know?" I asked  him and he started to explain.

"She called and said she heard and smelled someone in her house, she said she'll check it out. I told her not to, but she hung up before I could say anything else."

Both Raymond and Conrad looked worried and that made me start to worry. So I asked, "Have you went to check on her?"

They looked at each other and my chest tightened as I realised they haven't.

"She just called, about five minutes ago and was about to go when we saw you walking. We needed to tell you," Conrad explained.

My breathing became heavier, I looked at Matthew and he too looked panicked. That's when I grabbed his arm and started running in the direction of Avery's house.

We were running side-by-side and shortly after Conrad and Raymond was on my other side. We knew weren't gonna make it on foot so we all shifted mid run.

During this time I just prayed she was fine and that I'll be able to save her. I couldn't loose her too.

♤♤♤

The house came into sight as we ran through the open gates. It looked quiet and none of the lights were on which made it look abandoned.

After the four of us shifted back we approached the front door. I sent Conrad to scout the back and Raymond the perimeter. Matthew and I would take the front.

I was thankful for his presence because he kept me calm or as calm as I could be in this situation. When we got closer I saw the door was slightly ajar.

I reached out and opened the door slowly incase it creaks. As I looked inside it was dark and only light that came in was from the setting sun, giving the house a dark yellow and orange glow. There was a strange scent lingering in the air and I cringed because it smelled like something dead, yet it was somewhat familiar to me.

I hesitated and looked back towards Matthew, he was frowning as he smelled the same. He nodded and I stepped inside. I contemplated calling her name, but decided against it because maby there was a real threat. I just started making my way through the first floor of the house.

I met Conrad by the stair case and he linked me, saying there wasn't anyone out back. I nodded and linked back telling him we should look upstairs and he agreed. He went up first, then it was me, with Matthew following us.

We went up slowly, my heart was pouding hard in my chest and I could feel my body shaking. My mind was racing with millions of outcomes about what could've happened to her.

Finally at the top we heard voices coming from a room which I could identify as the art room I had incorporated for her. The scent became stronger, but I still couldn't figure out what it was from. Once again Conrad led the way towards the door, walking behind him I stepped on one of the boards and it creaked under my foot.

Immediately the voices went quiet, there was no other option at that moment. I pushed passed Conrad and burst into the room and was shocked at what I found.

Avery was tied to a chair, her mouth covered with a piece of tape disabling her from speaking. There were cuts across her face and her T-shirt was covered in blood. When she saw me she let out a moan and motioned with her head towards the window.