EIRA'S POV
Oh God, I'm late again! I rushed through my shower, the weight of yesterday's warning from Mr. Robert pressing against me like a ticking clock.
As I sat through the lecture, my mind refused to stay still. My eyes kept searching for Adrian. It had been five days since he'd last shown up at college, and though I told myself not to care, worry gnawed at me relentlessly.
Just as I was about to leave for class, I noticed a police officer standing outside Andy's room.
"Hello, Miss. I'm Inspector Jake Smith. May I have a word with you?" he asked politely.
"Of course," I replied, though confusion twisted inside me.
"Do you know Miss Andy?"
"Not really," I admitted. "We only spoke once or twice."
"She's been missing for five days. Did you notice anything unusual?"
My throat went dry. Should I tell him? That night—the crash of glass, the hooded figure, the chilling words. This was about Andy's life. I couldn't stay silent.
"Yes," I confessed. "Five days ago, I heard glass shatter in Andy's room. I peeked through the hole in her door and saw a man with his face covered. He was on the phone. He said, 'Work done,' before leaping out the window. I couldn't see his face… but I recognized his voice."
The inspector's eyes narrowed. "And whose voice was that?"
"It was Adrian Dark," I whispered.
"Are you sure? He's a respected young man," the officer pressed.
"Yes. I'm sure," I insisted, though doubt was already clawing at me.
"Thank you, Miss. That will be all."
As I walked away, my heart felt heavier than before. Could Adrian really be involved in Andy's disappearance? A part of me screamed no—he couldn't. But the memory of that voice… it refused to leave me.
ADRIAN'S POV
I lounged on the sofa, idly flipping through a magazine, when a sharp knock sounded at the door. Opening it, I found two police officers on the threshold.
"What do you want?" I asked, irritation lacing my voice.
"Inspector Jake Smith," the taller one introduced himself, stepping inside.
"You know my name already," I muttered.
"Adrian, that's no way to address an officer," Mike scolded as he descended the stairs.
"Good afternoon, Officer. Please, sit," he added, trying to ease the tension.
"We're fine standing, Mr. Blake," the inspector replied coolly. "I need to speak to Adrian."
"Fine," I said, folding the magazine and setting it aside.
"Do you know Miss Eira Bain?"
At the mention of her name, a flash of anger jolted through me. I masked it with a careless shrug. "No."
"Are you certain? She's in your class."
"Oh, right. Thanks for the reminder," I said, feigning sarcasm.
"Don't you find it odd, forgetting your own classmates?"
"Is that a crime now?" I smirked.
The inspector's expression hardened. "Miss Andy has been missing for five days. Miss Eira claims to have seen you in Andy's room the night she disappeared."
"Did she see me?" I challenged.
"She recognized your voice," he countered.
I clapped mockingly. "Impressive ears she must have. Is that your evidence? You must be joking."
He glanced at Mike, perhaps hoping for support, but Mike stayed stone-faced.
"Where were you five days ago?" the inspector asked sharply.
"I was at my friend Drek's place, out of town. You can confirm with him."
Frustration flickered across the officer's face before he finally turned to leave.
The moment the door shut, Mike spoke. "About the girl who told them—"
"I'll deal with her. No one will believe her," I said flatly.
Mike's gaze pierced me. "You're hiding something."
"No," I replied smoothly, though my chest burned with unspoken truths.
Why was she always in my way? Always crossing paths she shouldn't? I needed to talk to her.
EIRA'S POV
With an hour before my next lecture, I wandered the college yard, my mind restless. Adrian's name spun endlessly in my thoughts. Did he hurt Andy? What connection did he have to her?
So lost was I in my turmoil that I didn't realize I'd strayed into the restricted top floor until it was too late.
Suddenly, an arm snaked around my waist, yanking me back against a firm chest. My body went rigid, terror clawing through me as I struggled to break free. A hand clamped over my mouth just as I tried to scream.
Then I heard his voice.
"Don't scream. I need to talk to you."
Adrian.
He released my mouth, though his grip around me stayed tight.
"Why can't you speak to me like a normal person? Why do you always have to scare me?" I burst out, anger shaking my voice.
"Just listen," he said evenly.
"No! First, answer me. Why do you hate me? What did I ever do? Why do you insult me every time? You're—"
Before I could finish, his hand silenced me again, pressing my wrists behind me. His face was so close, his breath ghosted against my skin. My heart thrashed, fear mixing with something I didn't dare name.
"Stay away from Andy's case," he ordered, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that froze me in place. "Do not go to the police again. Do I make myself clear?"
His grip loosened. For a heartbeat, I couldn't move, trapped by the pull of his gaze. Then he vanished—slipping away so quickly it was as though he'd never been there.
My chest heaved. My knees threatened to give out.
What just happened? Why didn't I fight him off? Why did part of me… not want to?
I pressed trembling hands against my face.
What is happening to me?