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2023-01-15 07:33:12The dark night is immediately upon us. It might sound stupid but we left the hotel without coal, the grand reason was that we didn’t want the shadows to notice us before we attacked.
The gust can be strong enough to rip us off our balance or slam us somewhere. But the problem was if they traveled in darkness, wouldn’t it be beneficial to them that we are in darkness? The sudden wild breeze answers my question and I panic“Don’t you think we are playing right into their hands by walking in darkness?” I ask“Who had the stupid idea and how the hell did we agree to it?” Tony yells out the very words I kept swallowing. Rose clears her throat and I breathe aloud. Why are we letting Rose play us into our own death?“Let us get fire, that hut is the closest” Thelma suggests, she had already moved towards the hut without waiting for our response“I only said we shouldn’t move with it because I noticed that the shadows travel with darkness and if we carry light around, they would avoid us” Rose says in a baby tone and I almost use the ‘awn’ sound. Such cuteness“That is the very point of survival, we need to be with lamps, so we will be protecting ourselves too. Another thing… we need to spread out” Tony says“Why?” Rose's voice almost break.She doesn't like that“we don’t know where they will choose to attack, we need to be ready on all ground” he adds“ok, in pairs or one on one?” I ask.Hoping it is the first“in pairs, but Olivia will be with me…” he says“I can talk care of myself” she blurts“you can, but you are hurt” he insist. Not in the slightest amused“Olivia, listen to him please” I tap her shoulder hoping she doesn't slap my hand away“I am just saying that I don’t need him protecting my ass” she says facing me - I don't know how to be thrilled because she just talked to me for the first time and for the nature of our conversation, she doesn't sound annoyed at me. That is a good start“must you be a bitch all the time” Thelma says in her typical shrill voice and I swallow hardHeavy breeze swoops past us and we become still by the second listening for whispers, I bend my knees slightly for a firmer stance, darting my eyes through the dim night – thanks to the light from the huts but still no sign of anything movingA loud squeak grow on the other side of the hotel and the sound of a gust reaches our ears with the cracking medium-pitched voice - probably a man. And without thinking, we set off in a sprintDoubts cloud my mind as I ran in the direction of the sound. But one thing I know for certain was that this weapon will work against them, but we still needed to leave this place before we run out of deodorantsOur feet slammed on the sandy path with quick succession, crushing dry leaves as our weight rests on our foot for each stepRose for some reason kept up with her pace even with the heel she had on – that is good news though given that she was allowed to hold the rest of the sprays that we found and she is even with the only other lighter in our possession apart from the one I am holding which meant we cannot risk losing her to the damn shadowsWhen we arrive at the scene, the screams had subsided, and just like that it was like nothing had happened there. I grunt and lean on the hut nearest to me panting“This is the exact reason we should split up” Tony voice had frustration dripping from it“he was right, there might not be another attack tonight. If we saved the person maybe we would have him convince the rest of the village” Thelma chips in, surprisingly not panting“if only they can just listen to us. These attacks will stop being fruitful for the shadows” I sayThe leaves of the tall plants rustle around us and we freeze again, the sound of panting and someone running reaches us. I look around trying to find where the person is coming from“help me! They want to take me!” a middle-aged man hurried towards usI hurried to him but the gust snatches me off my feet and the next thing I know, I am slamming the floor several feet away and my vision blur from hitting my head on the tree trunk behind me. I shake my head to clear up my vision, clutching my head and grunting in painI see my friends running towards me – why are they running towards me instead of protecting the villager? The whispers cloud my hearing and I panic, looking for my lighter and I grab on my deodorant spray, aiming at anywhere I hear a different noiseThe whispers grew loud and the gust of wind swayed around me violently and the lighter drops from my hand, panicking I break into a sprint towards the direction I last saw my friends rushing fromI collide with someone and we both go crashing on the floor. Ugh – I rub my head again and open my eyes. It is the middle-aged villagerI held my breath and grab his hand, pulling him after me in a sprint but he struggles to keep up with my pace slowing us both downI need to find Rose, she is the only one with the other lighter and like the big fool I am, I lost mine before I was even able to use itFor some reason, the old man had initially escaped the gust and they still wanted to take him, I search through the commotion of the wind for Rose but still no site of anyoneSuddenly, the man’s feet leave the floor and he begins to float. I grab him still, now pulling on him instead of running but to no avail. Grunting I put the spray back into the big top pocket and add that hand to the grip, pulling the best I could at himA cold hand runs through me again and I panicked but I still don’t let go. Next thing I know, my feet are losing their strong frictional hold to the rough ground and my weight shifts from my legs. adrenaline gushes through me and I almost lose my grip on the man“Please don’t let them take me” the man yelled but I had no strength left in me to reply to him, I feel myself lifting from the ground but before the edge of my shoes completely leaves the floor, a bright flash of fire flares through the gust and in an instance it disappears with a deafening shriek and we both drop clutching onto our ears“that thing sure felt the sting hard” Tony's voice grows from the silence after the shriek and he is jogging towards me.My heart fell and I stretch my hand for a hug but instead, he pulled me up and locks his lips into mine. His hands fist on the cloth by my waist tugging me closer to him “and still you scare me again”“What just happened?” I ask“We succeeded in intercepting one of the shadow attacks on the villagers?” he declares with a bright grin. Smiling, I peck him on his lips and hug him again“I was going to fire that filthy gust and you just snatched my lighter from me” Rose complain with the stance of a child, her pleasant her pitched voice soothing the shrill atmosphere left by the gust“Who made you hold the second one, you were literally fidgeting” Tony’s eyes flared“at least I didn’t lose my lighter” she cuts her gaze at me but instead of a reply like she would have hoped, I drop my head – where exactly was I when I lost the lighter? we need to find it“I need to find my lighter”“we will come for it in the morning” Thelma says“they might take it, I have seen things disappear a lot of times and I am not willing to lose the lighter too” I insist“she is right, you guys should lead him home and head back to the hotel. I will stay with Bella” he hands Rose the lighter back but Thelma snatches it away from her and Rose makes frustrated baby grunts at Thelma – that was cute by the way.We turn away from them and head further away from the hotel searching through the fallen leaves and sand for a sign of the lighterTony rips out his tiny torch and I am relieved – I sure as hell did not know what it was I was doing looking for something that tiny in the dark night
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Beneath the whispers Chapter 27
After all the blurry incidents of last night, I am not surprised I slept in my attire, what I am surprised about was where I had slept. The light from the morning sun pierces through my lids and I squeeze my face to control the uncomfortable inflow of bright light. I put my hands over my eyes and open them, Tony’s arms are crossed over my chest and I can feel his moving chest from under my head I sit up and look around, we are not in the hotel! I tap tony on his shoulder and he yawns himself awake “where are we?” I asked, jittery by the situation I just woke up to. He hums in response and yawns again, running his hand through his hair, and then his eyes clear, he squats up and looks around “We were looking for your lighter,” he says searching through his pocket, then he slips it out “we found it, at least that one was not a dream” he jokes I am still looking at him, lost for words, he clicks his tongue and continues “we were too tired but I didn’t know we would end up asleep in th
Beneath the whispers Chapter 28
“Bella, I need to show you something… both of you” Willow gestures at Tony “that’s the only way you guys will trust what I am saying” “he has a point, since we don’t believe him, he might as well prove himself right” I say The villagers have settled in the reception, so we went back upstairs this time to my room so we can have a private time to discuss if we should trust Willow or not “you said you saw him kill that woman Bella” Tony says – shit.. I did say that indirectly since I was too panicked to explain better when we met again and that has led to this misunderstanding Truth is, I did felt he killed her earlier but after meeting him in the hut and thinking about it, he wasn’t with anything that he could have given her. She just convulsed out of the blue and that is why I wanted him on my side. But I hadn’t updated Tony yet “yes I did, but I didn’t really see him give her something that day. I was just confused because she looked healthy right before” I say almost stammering
Beneath the whispers Chapter 29
We signed up for a game and we are going to play just that. we are in a town that is infested by demons and the story is linked with the creepy mansion on the outskirt. We need to uncover whatever it is that happened to the family that owned the mansion and lay the twins spirit to rest so we can leave and go home Except that we intend to let our kidnappers think that while we truly look for a way out of here A lot of things are involved in our leaving, one was the buried charms that sealed us in the village, another was the shadows that took people based on facts we don’t know yet. And the most important is what separates us from the outside world where we all came from The organizers of the game will not let us get to civilization or we will create questions that would be directed at them The puzzle though is that, there has to be a reason we were each selected for this game There has to be a reason we were targets because in order to stay hidden they had to somehow keep our bei
Beneath the whispers Chapter 30
Its way past midday and in a few hours we should already be heading back to the hotel given that we didn’t think to hold our weapons with us in case of anything – that is a point to consider for next time Against our better judgment and courtesy of our dear Willow, we are hiding behind a tree and tall grasses watching the dead body and waiting for strollers He may have asked us to leave him if we weren’t going to wait. To be honest, I did try to leave but I cannot just leave him here not with all he knows I may have not considered the fact that he might be working on the other side and is leading us into a trap maybe – but I have a pact with not listening to my doubts Tony grunts beside me adjusting his kneeling position for a more leveled ground. He would have left if I didn’t turn back. The things I make him do I hold his shoulder and squeeze wishing I could tell him something comforting but apparently Willow still has the guts to give us a vow of silence Tony squeeze my hand a
Beneath the whispers Chapter 31
I watch as Tony and willow fill the girls in on our recent development. Apparently we are a part of some grand plan that involves clients and we have no clue what it is we are needed for “We need to get out of here… and fast” Rose panics again – it was kind of expected since she was the most affected by all this. Good thing I have calmed myself down so they only have to deal with Rose For some reason, Thelma is not so much surprised and Olivia is quiet as usual leaving our dear Rose to play the drama queen We had arrived at the hut not so many minutes ago and while the boys tell the story I munch on the snack that Thelma brought ignoring her piercing side eye Rose eventually managed to hold herself together after that sentence, she just sits on the mat and fold her legs with her palms below her jaw and not saying anything further “In essence we need a plan and not the kind that involves fighting shadows or preventing their attack but a plan that involved literally finding our way
Beneath the whispers Chapter 32
It was a very long walk from the hut to the hotel more so given the shrill silence of the atmosphere and the fact that no one among us was willing to break it Instead, we look at the sun at intervals hoping it doesn’t suddenly disappear even though we had distributed the weapons between ourselves and Tony had the lighter along with Thelma – since the group had decided that they were more likely to not lose it and I do agree, I just wish it didn’t affect my pride so much but why wouldn’t it? Olivia suggested it The Villagers were waiting eagerly for our return, so much so that we received a clapping ovation along with cheers as if we returned from some kind of battle Even finding out that we are potentially being sold wasn’t much of a breakthrough since we all knew that we were in danger somehow, we just didn’t want to accept it, so we came up with instances that would justify our beliefs But one thing crept deep within my mind while I watched the villagers cheer for us. A question
Beneath the whispers Chapter 33
The thought of Olivia attempting to end her life didn’t sit well with me Yes I have been a bitch to her, I betrayed her and we stopped being friends because of it but how was it that I didn’t see that she was going through so much I mean, I am a very caring person and I had her best interest at heart – before Jeffery came in and complicated things I used to take her to parties so she wouldn’t live our high school days without a single experience. I would visit her regularly so we would do assignments together, I even helped her when she wanted to participate in a math competition, I hated maths but I still practiced the calculations with her We used to go on walks most evening because she loved nature. We would buy street food and eat on our way ignoring the judgemental look from passersby. And yet when she talked, she did so like she had been alone all her life – that kind of hurt though But then I have been a bitch when it comes to stealing her man. Even though he approached me
Beneath the whispers Chapter 34
A few women had left to get extra supplies along with Thelma, Rose and Olivia It was only until last night that we realized that people still eat and water is an essential of life. With the villagers crashing at the hotel, all this supplies need to be in the hotel with us Some other women had volunteered to get the farm produce they had and others go to get anything they might find and the rest especially the younger ones arrange for water from the hotel This leaves me and the Boys the opportunity to find out where these men stayed. We need to know if they stay at the mansion or another place The mansion is going to be our last resort or in essence we are not going there, if we have checked everywhere and no sign of anyone then the only plausible location will be the mansion Another thing we hope to find is how they transport themselves. We all can recall that it was a long drive to this place and if we go by foot – I don’t even want to imagine what my pretty legs will have to say
Latest Chapter
- Beneath the whispers
Epilogue
Its morning in France, the duplex vacation house on the hill reflects the sun away from the lawn The huge sized swimming pool at the back yard is blue with sit outs in pairs of twos lined up in one side of the pool and a huge fence on the other. I come out from the bathroom in a white robe and my wet brown curly hair falls on both sides of my shoulders.I get to the dressing table and with my finger collect a little potion from the cream can and apply on my legs. The flat screen television behind me has a blonde American woman on it“the increased rate of suicide within the country had pushed the government to consider closing the Sheetan bridge since it is considered the place with the highest record of suicide attempt over the past year. In comparison, other countries has reported growing rates of suicide attempts also and social media has been proven to be one of the major cause of suicide so the union government has decided to draw the lines on things permitted online”I appl
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 57
“that day, Rose had ran out of the bar when I was out. I looked for her throughout the bar and surrounding parks and when I didn’t see her, I went to her house… the door was open so I rushed in and found some men taking her, I saw the face of one of them because he didn’t have it covered When they saw me, I ran away and they chased and chased me until they caught me… A blow to the head and blank blank” Tony narrates and we nod. We were able to find some edible snacks on the shipI don’t know how long it had been but I do know that we didn’t have to wait with anxiety, instead we decided to use that time to bond since we would have to go our separate ways when we get back to civilization It is really sad though but I have learnt not to use the uncertainty of the future to stain an opportunity for good memories.Talking about our families and how much they will be happy to finally reunite with us, that is…when we have torn down this organization The boys on the other hand had no
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 56
The interior of the ship is a definition of luxury, from the wood brown furniture to the white beddings and curtains Inside the boat are four long couches arranged around a round center table. A curtain opposite where we entered from covering a king sized bed with white beddings and a brown wood frame structureThe inside smells of strawberry and mint and the cupboard has shelves with spare towels, toothbrushes and robes Beside the bed area is a bathroom, with an oval bathtub and a waterproof curtain. If anything, this cruise boat is the highlight of my stay in this island. Would you look at that? I don’t know Harem but this?The pain in my head suddenly disappears as I look through the boat, even the tension of waiting for them to leave had completely disappeared. I need a cold bath and to sleep on an actual bed and I didn't need get back to civilization to experience all these. I love my lifeI sink into one of the couches rubbing myself against the smooth fabric and beaming
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 55
“we need to move” Harper announces. The sun is kissing the hills now, its red light dimming by the minute making the forest darker and the shade from the trees aids this A day ago we would be wary of the shadows but with them gone we only have to worry about the group of men aiming for kill shots at us Sincerely, this is a lot scarier than the shadows. At least we had a fighting chance against the shadows and now? Even Willow has lost his weapon – imagine that He walks over me and takes out some white handkerchief from his pocket and gives Tony “tie something on that”I really should look at the mirror at this rate because the way everyone is looking at my head feels like my brains are out and Tony is already talking like he is scared for me. I smile weakly at Harper and he smiles back before hurrying to the othersTony folds the hanky and places it on my head, his rips out his inner shirt and wraps it over the hanky on my head, hitching it behind my head He fastens it tight
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 54
A flash of blurry lights hit my eyes and dims down again, the throbbing pain in my head slowly increases and a banging sound erupts in my head, I raise my hand to hold my head but my arm hurts too so I let it lay still. The light comes back clearer and leaves again“How many more are still alive?” I heard Harper sayI struggle to open my eyes but my whole body aches and I grunt lightly, a hand scoops me up into some huge body, the scent is familiar so I sniff harder and it is mixed with smoke and blood – blood! I shoot my eyes open but it only slowly breaks apart and I am looking at Tony, there is blood on his head and his arm has a deep cut that is bleeding. I gasp and try to get up but he holds me down“stop, you are hurt” he says“where?” I manage to say, my whole body aches so I cannot pinpoint where exactly is hurtingHe looks at my head and smacks his lips reluctant to answer my question “just stay still, we are trying to get the survivors out before they figure out how t
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 53
We had rode and rode through the sandy road as the afternoon sun heated up the bus, sweating and anticipating the sight of the beach even though we didn't know where it was. We don’t even know if we are going the right way – at least we are going at allThis journey reminds me of the journey that got me here and how I wondered if the experience was worth the long journey and yet even in returning I couldn’t wait for the journey to end“guys” I call their attention “isn’t the length of this journey familiar?” they all laugh Olivia smacks her lips “well, I for one... I was excited but that excitement turned to fury when the cab man wouldn’t talk to me” Olivia saysThelma claps “the snubbing cab man, I thought I was the only one”“he did talk to me eventually, I didn’t keep quiet” I boast. Beaming at myself“wow, I don’t even know what his voice sounds like” Olivia complains and we laugh“he also asks me what if the ghosts haunting the village was real” I say“wow, he did. You d
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 52
I step back, and stood transfixed staring as she stumbled and fell to the floor, my mouth drop open and my lids break apart“Thelma!”The girl wipes her broken bottom lip with a finger and look at me, her red strands that she had hidden away in a hair tie falls loose on her shoulder“I am sorry Bell” she almost stammer in breaking voice“don’t call me that!” I fume at herShe breaks down in tears and falls again on her butt, crying her eyes out “I shouldn’t, you just destroyed my only ticket for a better life!” She yells back at me“we were going to escape, we were going to finally be free and you, what did you do?”“I made a deal that would have helped me live normally. The way I could”“so we should all be damned so you live well, we were going to give each other that, that is why we connected”“you don’t get it do you? All you faced was a cheating boyfriend and you got yourself drunk. I freaking drove off a bridge. How did you think I would want to return to that same worl
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 51
We had intentionally not used the tunnel to get to the mansion given that it already was an obvious route and we plan on sneaking up on the shadows, if that is even possible We also needed to set as much on fire as possible and the tunnel will be our major route of escape but the moist weather in the forest area was going to be a problem so we switched to plan BWe head fast towards the mansion, the sun had just barely risen and the morning still had the flare of last night’s chill breeze. the mansion slowly comes into view We excitedly hurry towards it but stop when we notice that the door was closed. We raise our weapon and point it towards the doorWith slow calculated footsteps we stroll closer and closer to the door, when we get to the door, I gently push it and it strides open. Cool air hits my face and I freeze, aiming my spray can inside. I snap the lighter and slowly enter into the building“Rose, you will wait out here, find the back door” I say and Rose nods and leav
- Beneath the whispers
Chapter 50
AnthonyWe had arrived at the border not long after we left the hotel, the bus is not there as we saw it earlier. So we decided to wait. In the process of waiting we had slept through the night at the border and it is the morning nowI grunt “what should we do now?” the sun is barely risen but the light of day is upon the island“check out the brick house” Willow suggests and I nod along with himWe slowly make it for the brick house, one step at a time until we are leaning at the wall of the house. We walk slowly along the wall till we got to the rusty front door that was already slightly open“when will they arrive?” a huge man with chest tattoos and a tiny nicker says in a grumpy cracking voice“I think in fifteen minutes time. They are an hour behind us” says the younger one looking at his wristwatch, he is better dressed and has glasses on “oh, the package?” he asks looking from the chest tattooed man to another similar sized man“it's ready” the similar one answered“wha
