Forbidden whispers

Prologue

"You can't run forever," the voice echoed in my ears as I hurried through the dense, moonlit forest. My breath came in ragged gasps as I desperately tried to escape.

~~~~~****~~~~~

It was senior year, my last year of high school, and the senior campfire was the theme for this year's graduation. As someone who preferred the comfort of my own home, I felt pressured into attending.

"Come on, it's all about making memories," Ivy urged, trying to persuade me.

"We could make plenty of memories indoors," I countered, hoping to avoid going. "My parents will be out for the night. We could watch our favorite episode of Cow Barn Girls and order ridiculous items on eBay. I heard a new web novel, 'Blood Moon,' is being released tonight."

"No way! We're going," Pete chimed in. "Kelvin will be there. The Kelvin," he emphasized as if his name held some kind of mystical power.

"This is the start of my social life," Ivy reminded us.

"I thought your social life ended after Cole dumped you," Pete jeered, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

"Very funny, Pete. I'm over Cole, he's toxic. And right now, I don't need that kind of energy," Ivy defended herself, though we could see the doubt in her eyes.

"So we're going?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes, baby girl, we are. Who knows, maybe tonight's the night you finally get lucky," Pete teased, his hand playfully tousling my curls.

"Jesus, Pete. My father would flip if he heard you talking like that. He's already questioning our friendship, so please don't make it worse," I pleaded, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Relax, babe. Even pastors get laid. How do you think you were born?" he joked, eliciting a disgusted reaction from Ivy.

"Ugh, Pete. No, just no," Ivy groaned.

"Fine, fine. You guys are such wimps," Pete conceded, though we could tell he was secretly looking forward to the adventure.

~~~~***~~~~

"Do you think we're going in the right direction?" Ivy questioned, her tone filled with doubt.

"For the tenth time, Ivy, I'm pretty sure this is the right way," he snapped back, his annoyance evident in his voice.

"Guys," I called out, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside Pete's cousin's car, which we had borrowed for the night.

"For heaven's sake, Keisha, what?" Pete groaned.

I pointed at the signpost ahead. "This is the third time we've passed this signpost," I replied.

"I told you we're lost," Ivy chimed in, pulling out her phone.

"What on earth are you doing?" Pete asked, glancing at Ivy through the rearview mirror.

"I'm calling Tracy," she stated, holding up her phone. "I don't plan on being stranded on this deserted road with you guys."

Pete and I rolled our eyes in unison as Ivy continued to complain. She had earned the nickname "drama queen" from Pete and her former drama crew in school, and it suited her perfectly.

"Tracy will be here in thirty minutes, so just stay calm, everyone," Ivy announced.

"No one is panicking, Ivy," I reminded her, my eyes briefly scanning my phone.

"Except for Miss Queen Bee over here," Pete teased. "Honestly, Ivy, I don't think you would survive a day in the woods."

"Duh, Campmoon Lite," Ivy retorted.

"Isn't that the summer camp you attended all summer?" I asked, trying to jog my memory.

"Yeah, Keisha, it was the summer camp where she had a fling with Justin," Pete reminded us.

"You never actually told us what happened," I curiously inquired.

"Oh, sweetheart, she came back with a black eye," Pete taunted, bursting into laughter.

"Thanks for the explicit details, Pete. Well, Keisha, it didn't go as planned, but at least I'm not a virgin," Ivy shot back, and we all fell into an uneasy silence.

"Seriously, that was a low blow, even for you, Ivy," Pete retorted, his gaze now on me.

The atmosphere in the car shifted, and we all settled back down, waiting patiently for Tracy. Growing up in a religious household had its ups and downs; constantly living up to my father's expectations and teachings had become a daily struggle.

I was expected to be perfect, to maintain my father's reputation and the reputation of our household. Sometimes, it was exhausting pretending to be someone I wasn't.

We were all fixated on the approaching car, and a surge of fear began to grip me.

"Hey, bitches!" Tracy's head popped out of the car, calling out to us.

"What took you guys so long?" Ivy asked, excitement evident on her face.

"I think we may have gotten a bit lost," Daniel answered from the driver's seat, his excitement contagious.

"Come on, let's go!" Tracy yelled impatiently.

"No way, I'm not leaving this truck out here. It's more important than my life," Pete declared.

"Fine," Tracy finally agreed. "Who's riding with us?"

"I am!" Ivy exclaimed, quickly leaving Pete's cousin's truck and heading toward Tracy's sleek car.

I could feel Tracy's gaze on me, but she quickly looked away.

"Let's go, Pete. You can follow behind," Tracy instructed as she drove off.

"Hey, are you okay?" Pete asked, his eyes fixed on Tracy's car ahead of us.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I replied.

"You know how Ivy can be. She tends to overreact and get jealous easily," he tried to reassure me.

"At least you're not a virgin," I muttered.

"Being a virgin doesn't suck. It just means you're waiting for the right one," he said, giving me a cheeky look. "What?"

"Coming from someone who got laid at the back of my house," I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, you got me. But trust me, it shouldn't be rushed," he quickly added.

"Sex is the last thing on my mind. I just want to survive tonight first," I said, giving him a warm smile as I stared out into the darkness.

Finally, we arrived at the site, which was packed with people. Tracy and Daniel yelled with excitement as they headed towards the crowd.

"Aren't you coming?" they yelled back to us.

"We'll be there," Ivy assured them, her gaze lingering on Pete.

Pete sensed where the conversation was heading and chimed in, "Stop being a pussy, Ivy, and apologize. We're missing out on the fun!"

"Am I forgiven?" she asked, stepping closer and holding my hand. She was my best friend, so of course, she was forgiven.

"Of course you are," I said, hugging her as Pete joined in.

"I love you guys," Pete said sincerely.

~~~~~***~~~~~

I kept to my number one rule of abstaining from alcohol while sitting on a log around the bonfire. My eyes were fixed on Marcus, the hottest senior in school. I had a massive crush on him and always felt incredibly shy whenever he tried to make conversation.

I quickly averted my eyes to the bonfire when I realized he had caught me staring. I hoped that he hadn't noticed.

"Hey, Keisha." I lifted my face to see Marcus standing in front of me. "Hey... Marcus," I whispered back.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked politely.

"Sure, why not? There's enough space," I replied, adjusting for him to sit.

We sat there in silence, and the awkwardness was starting to suffocate me. I could feel the eyes of some students staring at us, making the situation even more uncomfortable.

"I thought you wouldn't make it," he finally said.

"What? Why would you think that?" I asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Your dad," he explained.

"Oh," I let out slowly. Sometimes, I forgot how much my dad's occupation as a pastor affected my social life. "Being a pastor's daughter really sucks."

"No, no, why say that? I think it makes you different," he said, reaching out to hold my hand. My breath caught in my throat, and I couldn't believe this was happening. "How about we go somewhere quiet and away from all these eyes?" he suggested, leaning closer to whisper.

"Um, sure, why not?" I agreed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He held my hand, leading the way, and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ivy staring at us.

As we walked, my eyes couldn't help but take in the dilapidated state of the abandoned house we were passing. It seemed like no one had lived there in a long time.

"Are you okay?" Marcus asked, taking notice of my distraction. His eyes focused on me as he smiled. "You're really pretty, Keisha. Has anyone ever told you that? I guess that must be the reason why your dad decided to join the ministry," he teased, gently tucking a loose curl behind my ear.

"Maybe," I said shyly, looking into his eyes. He was undeniably handsome. I guess tonight might be the night I lose my virginity. I couldn't help but think about how my father might react. But it was Marcus, the hottest guy in school. It was now or never.

Marcus leaned in closer, cupping my face with his hand as he placed a soft and slow kiss on my lips. It was my very first kiss, and it felt amazing. I responded to his touch, kissing him back, and my hand unconsciously grabbed the hem of his jacket.

Suddenly, our intimate moment was interrupted. Someone else was here. Marcus looked out towards the broken windows, urging me to stay put as he went to investigate.

The wait felt like an eternity as I stood there, calling out his name, but receiving no response.

"It's not funny, Marcus. I seriously don't like this," I said, standing at the crumbling porch. My eyes scanned the darkness and the surrounding trees. Where the hell was I?

As I retraced my steps back to camp, frustration consumed me. "What was I expecting? Of course, he was a jerk, toying with me and leaving me stranded all alone. I'm going to be the laughing stock," I mumbled under my breath.

Suddenly, my leg slipped, causing me to stumble and lose consciousness.

When I eventually woke up, a wave of pain washed over me. Struggling, I reached for my phone lying beside me. I glanced at the screen and saw that it was already 9:30 pm. Panic set in as I noticed ten missed calls from Pete and Ivy. Desperate to reach them, I frantically dialed their numbers, but there was no signal to be found.

Panic started to set in as I looked around, realizing I was still lost.

Feeling a sharp throbbing in my leg, I assessed the situation. It was swollen and bruised, making it impossible to stand.

As I fixated on the pain in my leg, my attention was abruptly torn away by the sight of a dark figure standing in the shadows, staring directly at me. My voice quivered as I called out into the silence, desperately hoping for a response. But there was none.

With a surge of adrenaline, I pushed myself to stand, determined to find safety. I leapt forward, my heart pounding and my muscles aching. The sound of approaching footsteps echoed in my ears, urging me to run faster. Every step caused a fresh wave of pain to shoot through my legs, and my breaths became shallow and labored. As I glanced over my shoulder, I caught a fleeting glimpse of my pursuer.

But when I turned back to face the darkness, there was nothing but empty woods before me. Was it all just a figment of my imagination? Could I really be all alone out here?

Before I could dwell on these questions, a strong hand clamped over my mouth, muffling my scream. I fought with every ounce of strength I had left, but it was hopeless. Devastated and outmatched, I caved to the darkness that floated before my eyes.

As consciousness slipped away, the world became a blur.

Chapter 1

(2 years later)

"Come on sweetheart, we're going to be late for first service," my mom called from the kitchen, dressed in her perfect Sunday outfit fit for a deaconess.

I grabbed my bag and car keys, my phone chiming as I stared at it. It was a message from Ivy, who had been trending nonstop ever since she got featured in a celebrity game. I guess all of her efforts had finally paid off. I remembered how she stayed up all night making countless videos.

"Don't tell me you're wearing that," my mom questioned my choice of attire as I glanced at myself in the mirror. It seemed heavenly enough to me. "Please, mama, not now," I added, feeling exhausted as I walked out the door, heading towards the car parked outside.

"Seriously, young lady, what's wrong with you? I've noticed this recent behavior and I won't tolerate it, especially not from you," she added, her voice filled with warning.

"Seriously, Mom?" I rolled my eyes, unlocking the car doors as we both stepped inside.

The drive was quiet, with "Touch of Heaven" by Xtiian playing over the radio. I listened silently as the song resonated with my being, but my mom sang along, her horrible voice giving me a headache.

"Mom, please just stop," I begged her.

"You should be grateful and blessed by my voice," she chimed in.

"I'm sure your patients at the hospital are," I teased her. Despite everything, I admired my relationship with my mom. It was more than I could ask for. With my dad, it was different.

I pulled up in front of the church, and my mom fixed her appearance in the rearview mirror, making sure she looked perfect.

"I still don't like that dress you're wearing," she insisted.

"Mom, can we just get through today without all of this?" I pleaded, stepping out of the car. My eyes caught sight of Mrs. Molly, the church Accountant, sitting outside with her desk and chair.

"What's going on?" I asked my mom as we walked over to her.

"Sister Molly, what a lovely surprise," Mom said carefully choosing her words. Mrs. Molly was known for her quick tongue and gossip. "May I ask what all this is about?" Mama asked, looking at the pamphlets on the table.

"Well, deaconess, I'm sure you're aware that our women's annual Thanksgiving will be starting next week, that is, if you've ever made the effort to attend any of the meetings," she said, her voice dripping with contempt as she shot a menacing glare at my mother.

I struggled to hold back my laughter, finding it amusing, but my mother shot me a deathly stare as she ushered me into the church.

"What's that woman's problem?" my mother fumed as we made our way to the empty seats at the front. All eyes were on me as I scanned the crowd, feeling suffocated. I quickly took my seat next to my mom.

~~~~~****~~~~~~

The service lasted for an hour, and I stood beside my parents as they greeted each member of the church. My ankle throbbed with pain.

"Today's service was beautiful. The Holy Spirit truly resides in your home and this house of worship," Mrs. Daveed complimented.

I fought back a laugh as my mom pinched me, bringing me back to reality.

"Keisha has grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw her. She must be causing quite a stir with her looks," she continued, my parents beaming at her.

"Her body is dedicated to God before any mortal being," my dad replied, surprising me. "How is Mikel? He wasn't in service today," he inquired.

"You know how busy resident doctors are, but I'm sure he'll be eager to attend next Sunday," she replied.

"Please do. There's nothing like being in the presence of God," my dad said, his voice filled with righteousness.

"Thank you, pastor," she added before walking away.

With Mrs. Daveed out of earshot, my dad's gaze shifted to my dress, giving me a disapproving look as he walked away.

"I did tell you to change. Why are you so stubborn?" my mother scolded before following him, leaving me standing alone at the front of the church.

~~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~~

With my eyes glued to the laptop, I anxiously awaited some good news. Feeling the need for support, I reached for my phone and dialed Ivy and Pete's numbers.

"Hey guys," I greeted them, hoping for some positive energy.

"Let me guess, you got rejected again," Ivy's voice came through on the other end.

"Oh, come on, Ivy, let's be more positive," Pete chimed in.

"What? Is this your fifth rejection this year or something?" Ivy asked, skeptically.

"Third, actually," I corrected her, trying to downplay the disappointment that weighed on me.

While Ivy and Pete had moved on to university after missing a year of school, I had experienced setbacks and only had one option left - UCLA (University of California). I missed having them around, so I applied as soon as I was discharged from the hospital.

"Did you check the mail yet?" Pete asked, his curiosity evident.

"No, I'm too scared," I admitted, fear creeping into my voice.

"Come on, Keisha, as a pastor's daughter, you shouldn't be afraid. The Lord is your strength. Now, check that damn mail! You're giving me anxiety," Pete urged, trying to encourage me.

"Okay, okay, here goes nothing," I muttered, clicking on the mail icon. My eyes scanned the words on the screen, and time seemed to stand still as I stumbled upon the result.

"What happened? Don't keep us in suspense," Ivy's voice sounded impatient over the line.

"I... I got in, guys! I did it!" I yelled, unable to contain my excitement. I danced around my bedroom, the euphoria of success overwhelming me. In the background, I could hear Pete and Ivy screaming in celebration.

"Oh my God, my love, I'm so happy for you. You deserve it, baby boo," Pete expressed his joy.

"Thank you so much, Pete," I gushed, feeling incredibly fortunate to have these amazing friends by my side. Despite the haunting memories of the horrible incident that had shaken me to the core, I pushed those thoughts aside and embraced the overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

Despite the past rejections, I reminded myself to focus on the present and be grateful. My mom's encouraging words always came to mind whenever I received those letters. "So, let me fill you in, UCLA is amazing. You're going to love every moment," Ivy said excitedly. "I'll come over to help you pack."

Pete chimed in, teasingly saying, "Someone seems excited. Too bad I'm here alone."

I laughed and replied, "How's Connor?"

Pete acted ignorant, asking, "Who?"

I pressed further, "Connor. Pete, what happened?" Remembering how he had called Connor his knight in shining armor.

Pete quickly retorted, "I was too good for him. He couldn't meet my standards."

Ivy, at the other end of the call, interjected, "Just say you messed up, Pete. It's obvious you did."

"That's why, my lovely Ivy, you're still single," he replied with annoyance in his voice.

"We all are," Ivy reminded us of our current relationship statuses.

After Marcus, I had sworn off boys and relationships. I just couldn't handle it anymore.

"Keisha, are you okay?" Pete asked, genuine concern evident in his voice.

I replied with a quiet "Hmm hmm."

"Anyway, I'll be at your place by 10 tomorrow. We can do a little shopping and have the best day of your life," Ivy squeaked with excitement. "I have to go. My fans crave my attention," she added before ending the call.

"She seems to be living her best life," I observed.

"Oh, please. You know how much she loves attention. She's like an attention whore," Pete said, and we both chuckled.

"I miss you so much, Pete," I whispered.

"Me too, boo"

**************

Carefully, I set the plates down on the table, assisting my mom as she placed the food alongside them.

"So, what's all that giggling and squeaking I heard earlier?" she asked, her curiosity evident in her voice.

I smiled warmly at her, shifting my gaze to my dad seated at the dining table, engrossed in the daily news.

As we began our meal, we said grace together. My mom reached for the salad from inside and asked me to pass it to her. Clearing my throat, I shifted uncomfortably, noticing my dad's intense gaze fixed on me.

"I got accepted into UCLA," I finally announced.

"Oh my God, really? Darling, that's amazing!" My mom's voice filled with excitement as she beamed with joy. She grabbed my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"When does orientation start?" My dad's voice was cold, his tone hinting at disapproval.

"Next week Wednesday," I replied. Ever since the bonfire incident at my senior night hangout, my dad's attitude had changed. It felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, trying not to disappoint him again.

"So soon?" he replied dismissively.

"I suppose that's how they do things," I replied, my attention returning to the plate in front of me as I quietly savored my meal.

As I lay on my bed later that night, my favorite book in hand, I reflected on the day. Before long, a knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.

"Yes?" I called out.

"Hello, sweetheart," my mom greeted, stepping into my room and locking the door behind her. I knew I was in for a lecture, so I braced myself.

"What did I do this time?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

She gave me a stern look, silently asking if I was serious. "I'm sorry," I whispered, realizing my words upset her.

My Mom sat down on my bed, her eyes fixated on the picture frame containing a picture of Pete, Ivy, and me. A smile slowly formed on her face.

"You know, Keisha, there's something admirable about you," my mom said, her gaze now focused on me. "You're strong, despite everything. Sometimes, I worry that you might break if I don't hold on tight. I guess I worry too much." She gently held my hands in hers.

"Mom," I began, my voice filled with concern.

"And now my baby girl is going off to college. I've dreaded this day, but now it's actually happening," she confessed, her hand caressing my face as she wiped away a tear.

"Don't you think you're too old to cry? College isn't the end of the world, Mother," I tried to lighten the mood, while secretly fighting back tears of my own.

"But I'm scared, darling," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

I pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close. "It's going to be okay, Mom. I'm scared too, but we'll get through it together," I reassured her, my voice filled with conviction.

We stayed like that for a while, finding solace in each other's arms, before finally letting go. As we wiped away our tears, a sense of strength and determination filled the room. We were ready to face whatever challenges awaited us, both in my journey to college and in my mom's journey of letting go.

Chapter 2

Ivy clung to his hand for what felt like an eternity, her flirting skills on display. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him as he struggled to free himself.

"What do you think you're doing, Ivy?" he snapped angrily. "Stop calling and texting me. We're over and I've moved on."

"Moved on? You scumbag. You were busy cheating behind my back. You should be grateful that I still have any interest in you," she fired back.

Sitting comfortably in the cafeteria, I observed the entire scene unfold. Our plans for the best shopping experience had completely crumbled. Sipping my cold iced tea, I couldn't help but sigh.

"Can you believe that idiot?" Ivy plopped down next to me and called the waiter over. "I dumped him. He didn't dump me," she ranted.

"Really?" I inquired curiously.

"Yeah, can you believe him? He should consider himself lucky that an aspiring influencer like myself even wants him back," she scoffed.

"Upcoming influencer," I corrected her, earning a death stare in return. "Sorry, please continue."

Ivy's obsession with boys often got the best of her, and I couldn't help but think it sometimes went to her head.

"I'm sorry for ruining our outing. Did you manage to find some nice stuff though?" she asked, her eyes scanning the bags. "I think this should suffice."

"So, how's college?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Hell. You have to be strong to survive college. It comes with so much baggage," she furrowed her brows.

"Is it really that bad? You seem so stressed," I sympathetically patted her back.

"I am. Being an influencer and a student is double the stress. How do I balance my social life with my personal life? Not to mention how incredibly single I am right now," she pouted like a sad puppy.

"College sounds like a lot," I offered.

"You just have to push through. Be careful not to fall for any college guys though. They're the worst. Breaking your heart and ruining your life is all they're good for," Ivy cautioned.

I don't know if she was speaking from experience but I could tell she was dealing with something.

"Hows is your dorm room coming along" she asked, her eyes now fixed on me.

"It's coming along great," I replied, trying to redirect the conversation away from her personal struggles. "I've managed to decorate it just the way I wanted, and it feels like a cozy little sanctuary."

Ivy nodded, but her eyes still held a hint of sadness. "That's good. Having a comfortable space to come back to can make college life a little easier to bear."

I could tell she wanted to say more, so I leaned in closer and asked, "Is something bothering you, Ivy? You know you can talk to me about anything."

She sighed and looked down at her hands. "It's just... I don't know. I feel like I'm trying to be someone I'm not. Being an influencer is so exhausting. I constantly have to maintain this image, always looking perfect and happy. But sometimes, I just want to be real, you know?"

I understood where she was coming from. The pressure to fit a certain mold, to be constantly liked and admired by thousands of strangers, must be overwhelming. "Ivy, you don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. People will appreciate you for who you truly are, not just the person you portray on social media."

She smiled weakly. "Thanks, but it's not that simple. My followers expect a certain version of me, and if I differ too much, they'll lose interest. It's like I'm trapped in this web of expectations."

I placed a hand on her arm, offering comfort. "You have to remember that true friends, like me, will always support and love you for who you are, no matter what. And as for your followers, the real ones will stick around because they genuinely care about you."

She looked at me with gratitude in her eyes. "You're right. I need to stop sacrificing my own happiness for the sake of others. It's time for me to find my own balance and be true to myself."

I nodded, glad that my words had resonated with her. "Ivy, you're strong and talented. You have so much to offer the world, both as an influencer and as a person. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

She smiled, her spirit lifting a little. "Thank you, really. I needed to hear that. And hey, maybe college won't be that bad after all. With you by my side, I know I can handle anything that comes my way.

******************

(University of California)

( Los Angeles, 10:00am)

As Hillsong United played over the radio in the back seat of my dad's car, I settled into my spot and watched as my mom enthusiastically sang along. Despite my offer to drive myself, my dad insisted on dropping me off for orientation day. My mom glanced back at me, her hand squeezing mine, and flashed me a warm smile.

Finally, we arrived at our destination. Stepping out of the car, I unloaded my belongings and took in the breathtaking view that lay before me. It was truly magnificent.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" my mom asked, her eyes filled with awe.

"Yeah, it's amazing," I replied, my gaze wandering to the other new applicants who were being dropped off by their loved ones.

Suddenly, a friendly voice greeted us, causing all of us to turn in its direction. "Hello," the voice said.

"Ehnn, hi," I responded, a bit taken aback.

"I guess you're here for orientation. You must be Keisha West Jr.," the voice continued, emphasizing the words. "I hope I pronounced it right."

"You did a good job," my dad interjected, his tone cold and strict.

"Thank you," the voice giggled nervously, its eyes landing on me.

Realizing the tension in the air, I quickly jumped in to save the situation. "You must be my guide," I said, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm Matt," the voice replied, extending a hand for a handshake. I eagerly shook it, a big smile spread across my face.

My mom politely asked, "Is there anybody who could help with her stuff?"

"Don't worry Mom, I can handle it," I whispered, feeling embarrassed and my voice small.

"Your mom is just worried, Keisha. You should be thankful," my dad cut in.

I sighed and murmured, "I know, I know."

My mom understood the situation and held my dad's hand, silently asking him to take it easy on me.

"You're being too harsh on her," she told him.

Feeling even more embarrassed, I stared at Matt, who stood there silently watching me. He leaned in close and whispered, "Do you need help?" I could feel his sincerity in his eyes.

I nodded in response.

"Mr. and Mrs. West, I will personally handle everything here. You don't have to worry about your daughter; she is in safe hands," Matt tried to reassure them.

"By safe hands, do you mean yours?" my dad asked, his eyes shooting a killer look at Matt.

"What?" Matt stood there, confused.

"Dad, please," I said, my voice now annoyed.

"Keisha," my mom called out.

"I can take it from here, mom. Please take Dad home," I begged, avoiding my dad's hard stare. I pleaded with Matt to help me unload the rest of my boxes.

I watched as my parents drove off, and standing there, I stared at my phone, contemplating whether or not I should call to say thank you.

"That was brave of you," Matt stood beside me. "I would literally shrink if my dad ever gave me such a look," he added.

I smiled, still trying to understand where this newfound power had come from.

As I stood there, balancing the boxes in my hands, I glanced down at the pamphlet he held out to me. It was meant to be my guide, providing crucial information about the locations and helping me familiarize myself with my new surroundings.

"Could you please lend a hand with the door?" I asked politely, hoping he would assist me.

"Of course, my apologies," he replied, swiftly helping me unlock the door before we both stepped inside. "Looks like your roommate got here earlier than you. She certainly has a unique taste," he commented, gazing at the chaotic design of the room.

My anxiety began to rise as I took in the disarray before me. I was thankful that my father had already left; he would never have allowed me to stay here for even a second.

My eyes wandered to the logo adorning the wall. It featured sharp, claw-like edges and demonic horns, exuding an air of mysticism. The logo intertwined with a depiction of a sinister, demonic face with razor-sharp fangs, glowing eyes, and a wicked grin. Its gibberish lettering only added to its eerie appeal.

"SHADOW OF THE ABYSS"

I was deep in thought when a figure suddenly appeared at the door. Her eyes, accentuated by the dark eyeliner she was applying, captured my attention. Startled, she let out a piercing scream.

"Who the hell are you?"