NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Demon Whisper
Taylor ran through the deserted streets of Chania, her small sling bag swinging with each panicked step. The city, usually vibrant and alive, seemed eerily quiet tonight, with only the dim glow of streetlights illuminating her path. Occasionally, a shadow flitted past in the distance, but no one stopped or noticed her.
"What do I do? I promised Mr. Noah I'd meet Mr. Ethan… but Mama…" she murmured, tears streaming down her face. The weight of the world pressed heavily on her chest as she paused briefly to catch her breath, clutching her chest in despair. Then, she pushed herself forward, each step feeling heavier than the last.
Above her, the night sky was littered with stars, their brilliance casting a surreal glow over the scene. But there was an unsettling presence in the air. In the shadows, shapes seemed to shift, as if hidden creatures watched her every move. Her heart pounded furiously.
"This feeling… someone's watching me," she thought, trying to calm her racing mind.
Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes nearby.
Rustle.
Rustle.
She froze, her body going rigid.
"Hello…? Who's there?" she called out, her voice trembling.
No answer. The rustling grew louder, closer. She gripped the strap of her bag tightly, trembling.
"It's just my imagination… there's no one there," she whispered to herself, trying to steady her nerves.
From the bushes emerged a small black-and-white cat, meowing softly.
Meow.
Meow.
"Ah, just a cat," Taylor exhaled in relief, though unease still lingered in her heart.
She resumed her journey, quickening her pace toward the Chania Bus Station. Her destination was clear: the orphanage in the Valley of the King, to see Mama Evelyn—the woman who had been her pillar of strength.
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At Ethan's Estate
The dark, silent study reeked of blood and the musty scent of old books. Candlelight flickered weakly, casting eerie shadows across the walls. In the center of the room, two young women dressed in bridal gowns were bound tightly to a large bed. Their faces were pale, their lips trembling with muffled sobs.
Sniffle.
Ethan sat in the corner, brooding. His piercing, shadowy eyes locked onto a black cat perched nearby. The cat purred softly, but there was an unsettling intelligence in its gaze. The two communicated silently through telepathy.
"Relax," the cat's calm voice broke the silence. "This time, you taste first. There's no need to worry."
Across the room, a massive wolf clawed at the wooden floor, its fangs bared as it eyed the two women like prey. Its glowing eyes burned with an insatiable hunger and feral bloodlust.
The women whimpered softly, their bodies trembling violently as they struggled weakly against their bonds. Their futile resistance only highlighted their fragility.
Rrrr...
The wolf's growl shattered the tense silence, followed by the heavy thud of footsteps. Liam, his icy demeanor mixed with a predatory smirk, approached the bed. His expression radiated sadistic satisfaction.
"Only two, Alex?" he sneered at the black cat, who grinned mischievously while observing the women. "Did you lose your enthusiasm for tonight's feast?"
Alex raised his head, his sharp eyes locking onto one of the women on the bed. "They're enough for tonight," he muttered. "Besides, too much blood will only dull the pleasure."
Liam chuckled softly, leaning in to study one of the women's faces. "You're right. But what a pity—they're too fragile to last long."
Sigh.
Ethan let out a long breath, rising slowly from his seat. His movements drew the cat's attention, its inquisitive gaze fixed on him.
"That's enough. She lied."
"We're running out of time. We can't keep doing this," Ethan said, his voice low but edged with frustration.
"Argh!" He growled, his irritation boiling over.
Alex turned, his sharp eyes narrowing at Ethan. "What do you mean? The night isn't over yet."
Ethan approached the bed, sparing only a brief glance at the women before speaking. "They're not Taylor. This is pointless. We have to go and fetch the girl. I'm certain she's the witch we've been searching for."
Liam scoffed, leaning against the wall, clearly exasperated. "Are you sure this time, Ethan? You've been wrong before. If you're wrong again, you know the consequences." His tone wavered between annoyance and despair.
Ethan ignored Liam's jab, turning back to his chair and sitting with his head bowed. He rubbed his neck, as if trying to ease the tension that wouldn't leave him.
"Ah… You're all so irritating," Alex growled, his sharp voice cutting through the air. He turned his gaze back to one of the women on the bed. "If you're wrong again, Ethan," he hissed, "no one will forgive you."