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Chapter 1 - CHAPTER -''Why I See Them''

EIRA'S POV:

The room echoed with a piercing shrill—a sound that sliced through the silence like a blade. A baby sat on the floor, wailing in desperation, yet no one else was around. The curtains hung like heavy shadows. Shattered glass glimmered ominously across the floor, and the entire house felt abandoned, untouched for days. Dust motes drifted through the dim light, while cobwebs clung to corners like forgotten memories.

Then, I saw them—figures cloaked in long black coats, moving fluid and silent through a dark jungle. Above, the sky was a black sheet, starless, endless. They moved like specters, their footsteps whispering against the earth. Soon, they reached the house. The door crashed down beneath their force.

The baby's cries grew sharper, more frantic—a primal warning of death.

And then I saw it. A silver dagger. Its blade gleamed, cold and merciless, in one of their hands. He loomed over the baby.

No! No! He's going to kill him. Please—no!

His hand rose, dagger poised to strike—

NO! NO! NO!

My body shook violently, terror clawing through me. I gasped for breath, my chest tight with dread. The blade—he was going to kill the baby!

No. No… just a dream. Just a dream. I forced myself to breathe, but the storm inside refused to quiet.

Yes, just a dream—but not the first. I've been haunted by these nightmares since I was six. I can still remember the first one with horrifying clarity.

Three shadowy figures entered my house, faces hidden beneath long black coats. They spoke in voices I couldn't understand—except for one chilling sentence.

They would come for me when I turned eighteen.

I told everyone. I begged them to explain who they were. But no one had answers. And the dreams never stopped. They returned once a year, showing me horrors—sometimes they hurt my family. Always, they looked at me as though I belonged to them.

But no. I can't let them consume me now. Not today. Today is supposed to be the beginning of my new life. Today, I leave for Dehradun—for medical college. I still can't believe I got in!

"Eira, get up! God, who else will wake you if not me?"

"This girl is always late. Never on time!"

My mom's voice carried through the house, and I bolted toward the washroom, adrenaline chasing away the remnants of the nightmare.

"Eira, eat slowly! The food isn't running away."

"I'm sure we'll be stuck in traffic today," my father muttered, irritation sharp in his tone.

"At least let her eat properly!" my mom snapped, shoving a snack canister into my bag with determined force.

"Did you pack your nightwear?"

Oh no—I forgot!

"She hasn't," my brother chimed in, smirking. "She was awake till midnight and still didn't pack."

Why does he want me to fail at everything?

"No need. I'll pack it," I mumbled.

"God knows what she does so late at night."

"She never sleeps on time. Never puts anything where it belongs!" Mom's voice was rising as she stormed toward my room.

Breakfast ended with hugs and tears. I kissed her cheek, holding her tightly. Tears burned my eyes before spilling.

"Take care of yourself. Eat on time."

"Call me if anything happens."

"I am always with you. Remember that," she whispered, cupping my cheeks before kissing my forehead.

"Mom, I'm going to study, not to fight a war," my brother teased. She swatted him affectionately.

"Take care of yourself, fatty," he added, pulling me into a quick hug.

"Let's go!" my father called from the car.

I hugged Mom once more before climbing in. As the car pulled away, I waved, heart aching. College felt exciting, but the thought of being apart from them twisted inside me. I'd never been away. My family was my whole world.

I looked at my father, already cursing other drivers for their recklessness. He was always quick to anger.

"Are you excited?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes. Of course."

"I'm thrilled… but what if I'm not good enough to be a doctor?"

"You will be. I believe in you. My daughter will never fail." His words carried a rare warmth.

"Promise me, Eira, you won't ever do anything to break our trust."

"I promise," I whispered, meaning every syllable.

After four hours…

A boy sat on a sofa, sipping from a glass filled with a crimson drink. His face was hidden, shadowed, but his skin was pale as death. I stepped closer, desperate to see—when suddenly, I felt warmth beneath my feet. Thick, sticky warmth.

I looked down.

Blood.

It was blood.

BLOOD! BLOOD!

"Eira, wake up!"

"Eira! Get up!"

I jolted awake, drenched in sweat, trembling violently. Blood—so much blood! Just another dream.

"Are you still seeing those nightmares?"

My throat was dry, words clawing to escape. "W… water…"

He handed me a bottle. I gulped it down, relief spreading slowly as my heartbeat steadied. His eyes stayed fixed on me, worry shadowing his face.

"These nightmares are because of those vampire shows you watch," he muttered, irritation undercutting his concern. "They don't exist. For God's sake, stop watching that nonsense."

"I've had these dreams since I was six. I didn't even know what vampires were back then."

"Stop talking rubbish. It's all in your head. Let's get to college—no arguments. You're going to the girls' hostel, or we're turning back."

"Okay! Can we just go now?"

Despite the dread gnawing at me, excitement sparked. A new beginning—cliché, maybe, but it felt monumental.

We crossed the campus until we reached the principal's office.

I knocked softly. "May I come in?"

"Yes, dear. How can I assist you?" a deep voice replied.

I stepped in, nerves thrumming. "I'm Eira Banes, and this is my father, Harry Banes."

"Oh, yes! Welcome, Eira!" the principal greeted warmly. "Make yourself at home."

"How are you, Harry?" he added, motioning my father to sit.

"We're fine. Can we finalize the admission? I'm in a hurry," my father said curtly.

"Of course. Here are the papers. The hostel key will be provided there."

My father turned to me. "Eira, go explore the campus. Don't wander too far."

"Yeah, Dad, I know what you're here to discuss," I muttered, stepping outside.

But my dream still haunted me. Baby. Blade. Boy. Blood. The visions were coming more often now. Not once a year, but again and again—this month alone, eight times. Why?

Then—noise. Footsteps?

I froze, scanning the area. Nothing.

I had wandered to the back of the campus, where only the dense forest stood. I turned to leave—

The sound came again. From inside the forest.

My breath caught. I knew I shouldn't. I knew it was dangerous.

And yet—something pulled me.

I stepped into the shadows.

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