Chapter 3 Her tormentor

"I instructed you to flee," a man's voice uttered eerily, causing Gracie to startle. She felt fear coursing through her, fully aware that she was ensnared in a dream-like state she couldn't escape. She had grown weary of this recurring ordeal, a nightmarish loop that had persisted since the day she had encountered the elderly woman in the dimly lit alley. If only she had kept her gaze lowered, if only she hadn't met the old woman's eyes three months ago, then perhaps none of this would have unfolded.

"I told you to run, didn't I?" The voice resonated with anger, eliciting a flinch from Gracie. She felt as though the walls were closing in on her, desperate for release. The voice intensified in its fury, demanding, "Didn't I?"

"Please," she croaked hoarsely, a hand constricting her throat, inducing a choking sensation, her eyes welling with tears as she fought to stave off hyperventilation.

A heavy silence ensued, and Gracie's heart seemed to momentarily cease beating. Then, a mighty roar shattered the stillness, prompting the hand around her neck to retreat. Struggling to comprehend the source of the roar, she discerned a blurry image of a white wolf growling menacingly at her tormentor, its bared teeth a stark contrast to the fleeing figure. Gracie's fear dissipated in the presence of the wolf.

Blinking back tears, Gracie realized the wolf had vanished as soon as she awoke, leaving her alone in her room. She sniffled softly, the memories of the ordeal still haunting her, even after it had concluded. She drew rapid breaths as she sat up, her blankets pooling around her waist. Gazing out the window, she beheld a pitch-black sky.

Exhausted by this ceaseless torment, Gracie contemplated confiding in her brothers. Perhaps it was time to share the terrifying dreams that had plagued her for the past three months, time to seek their assistance. If only they could witness the perpetual fear that gripped her, they would understand her dire need for their support.

Getting out of bed, she crossed the room to her dresser and retrieved her phone. After unlocking the screen, she hesitated before entering her password, pondering, "What should I tell my brothers?" She bit her lip, ruminating over the situation. "What words should I use..." she murmured, pondering a moment longer before deciding that since she was already awake, she might as well contact her brother first. Typing "Jesse" into her phone, she waited for him to answer.

The call connected, and Jesse's cheerful voice filled the small space on the other end. "Gracie, hey, what's up?" His tone, though excessively cheerful, carried a note of exhaustion, which didn't escape her notice.

"Can we meet somewhere? I have something to tell you and Sam," she said, hoping her request sounded convincing. Jesse appeared puzzled but agreed nonetheless. They arranged to meet at the mall. She ended the call, feeling jittery for reasons she couldn't quite discern. After a brief moment, she shook off her unease and prepared for her outing.

Leaving the house and locking the door behind her, Gracie's thoughts drifted back to the old woman in the alleyway. The face was a blur, and the alley appeared vacant now, yet an eerie sensation lingered, as if someone were watching her.

Shaking her head, she took a deep breath and strolled down the street. She walked until she reached the bustling mall, a massive structure teeming with people. It buzzed with life and activity, and she found an empty spot to wait for her brothers. She sighed, resting her chin on her palm. As her head rested against her arm, a gentle breeze ruffled her hair.

Abruptly, she stood up, brushed her hair aside, and pulled her hood up, her eyes scanning the area. "You're just imagining things," she chided herself harshly, though deep down, she knew otherwise. She sensed someone had been trailing her. A tap on her back confirmed her fears, and she froze, her heart pounding.

"Relax, little sister," Jesse's soothing voice calmed her racing heart.

"You look terrified, Gracie. What's wrong?" Sam inquired.

Gracie hugged herself, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "Hey, what's going on?" Jesse asked. They both sat down.

"My life has been a nightmare for the past three months. I've been haunted by terrible dreams since encountering an old woman in the alley. She did something with a black leather and uttered a strange language that made me dizzy. When I realized what was happening, I fled. But since that day, my life has been a living hell, and I feel like someone is watching me, as if I owe them something." Gracie finished quickly, her voice trembling. Jesse fell into silence and exchanged a glance with Sam, whose expression remained inscrutable.

"This isn't what they promised," Jesse said, and Sam clenched his fists in anger.

Gracie was bewildered by her brothers' comments. "Promised what?" she asked, her confusion growing.

"We were never supposed to let this happen," Sam spat angrily. "You weren't ready, and yet they chose to torment you," Jesse added.

"We need to leave now," Jesse insisted, grabbing Gracie's hand and pulling her along.

Gracie could see the fear in her brothers' eyes, but she was left with a multitude of questions. What was happening? Was there more to this than met the eye?