"Fear is only as deep as the mind allows." Japanese Proverb

Veronica

The roses. A suffocating wave of their cloying sweetness filled the room, each perfect bloom a silent threat. My breath hitched in my throat. It was beautiful, in a grotesque, unsettling way. Like a scene from a twisted fairy tale. My eyes darted around the room, searching for… what? I didn't even know. A clue? A sign? Something that would explain why this was happening.

Saint's voice, low and dangerous, cut through my fear-paralyzed mind. "We're leaving. Now. Pack a bag."

I didn't argue. I couldn't. The terror that had gripped me was too strong. It was a primal fear, the kind that makes your heart pound and your hands shake. Someone had been in my room. Invaded my space. Left me a message. A message that made it clear I was being watched, hunted.

My hands trembled as I grabbed my small overnight bag from the closet. Since we were only staying at the hotel for a few nights, I hadn't brought much. Just the essentials. My mind raced as I double-checked its contents. Phone, charger, wallet. The few toiletries I’d packed. A book I'd been meaning to finish. It felt surreal, packing like this, like I was going on a quick trip, when my whole world had just been turned upside down. I scooped up Daisy, my calico cat, who'd been rubbing against my legs, sensing my distress. "Come on, Daisy," I murmured, "we're going on an adventure."

Saint was on the phone, his voice tight. I didn't hear what he was saying, but I knew it was about this… this nightmare. He was talking to Marcus, I realized. We were going to Marcus's place. A safe place. The words echoed in my mind, a desperate plea for reassurance.

As I finished packing, my thoughts raced. Who was doing this? Why? Had it been someone at the gala? Someone I'd met recently? Or was it someone from my past, someone I'd thought I'd left behind? The questions swirled in my head, each one more terrifying than the last.

Saint hung up the phone. His eyes, usually so warm and comforting, were now hard and determined. He looked like a warrior, ready to protect me from whatever darkness was lurking. It was a look that gave me a sliver of courage, enough to push down the rising panic and focus on the task at hand.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Let's go," he said, his voice firm. He took my hand, his grip strong and reassuring. I clung to it, as if it were the only thing keeping me grounded. Daisy, sensing the shift in mood, nestled herself in my arms.

We left the room, the door closing behind us on the macabre display of roses and the chilling note. But I knew it wouldn't be that easy to leave it behind. It was in my head now, a dark seed of fear that had taken root.

As we walked through the hotel lobby, I couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were on me. Watching me. Judging me. I huddled closer to Saint, drawing strength from his presence. He was my shield, my protector. But even he couldn't stop the feeling of dread that settled in my stomach.

We reached Marcus's house quickly. It was a large, comfortable place nestled in a quiet, tree-lined street. Marcus was waiting for us, his face etched with concern. He pulled me into a hug, his embrace warm and comforting. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to me. It was a reminder that I wasn't alone in this.

"We'll figure this out, Veronica," Marcus said, his voice gentle. "We'll find out who's behind this."

I nodded, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the unseen watcher was still out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. And I knew, with a chilling certainty, that this was just the beginning. Later, after Marcus had shown me to the guest room and assured me he'd keep watch, I lay in bed, the darkness amplifying my fears. Daisy curled up on my chest, purring softly, a small comfort in the storm raging inside me. Every creak of the house, every rustle of leaves outside the window, sounded like the footsteps of my stalker. Sleep eluded me. I replayed the events of the evening in my mind, searching for a clue, a face, anything that would explain the roses, the dress, the terrifying message. But there was nothing. Just a blank wall of fear and uncertainty. I closed my eyes, but all I could see were roses, a sea of red, their thorns sharp and menacing. I was trapped in a nightmare, and I didn't know how to wake up. Daisy, sensing my distress, nudged my chin with her head, her soft fur a small, tangible reminder of warmth and safety in the encroaching darkness. Suddenly, a floorboard creaked outside the room. My breath hitched. Daisy’s purr faltered. I froze, every muscle tense, listening intently. Silence. Then, another creak, closer this time. My heart pounded in my chest. Was it Marcus? Or was it… him? The unseen watcher. I held my breath, waiting, the silence stretching out, thick with terror. Then, a soft knock on the door. "Veronica?" It was Marcus's voice, laced with concern. Relief washed over me, so potent I almost wept. I scrambled out of bed and opened the door. "It's just me," he said, his eyes searching mine. "I heard a noise, thought I'd check on you." I nodded, unable to speak, still shaken. "Daisy's a bit restless," he added, glancing at the cat, who was now rubbing against his legs. "Maybe she heard it too." He smiled gently. "Try to get some sleep, Veronica. I'll be right outside." He left, closing the door softly behind him. I leaned against it, taking a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It was just Marcus. Just a noise. But the fear lingered, a cold knot in my stomach. I climbed back into bed, Daisy following, and pulled the covers up to my chin. I knew sleep would be a long time coming. The unseen watcher was still out there. And somewhere in the darkness, he was waiting.