ANA:
I must be insane. Because no sane person would wish for their dangerous stalker—the one who casually takes lives—to climb through their window in the dead of night. But here I am, hoping.
It's October 30th. Devil's Night. And tonight, I'm wishing he'll come.
Because as insane as it sounds, I need his help.
Lara's been missing for sixteen hours. She left my house this morning before college, and that was the last time anyone saw her. Right after she left, as I was obsessing over the origin of that video, I finally thought I should loop someone in, maybe Mark. But then I got a notification—Lara's SOS.
I panicked, called her immediately, but it was too late. Her phone was already out of reach. David told me the law won't let him file a missing report until the full twenty-four hours have passed, but I know better. She came to see me for a reason, to tell me something, and I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to listen. What did she want to say?
I don't know what I'm doing. I have no contact for him. I don't even know if he'll come. But I have to wait—I have no choice.
It's almost midnight. As the night deepens, my hope wanes. Is Lara okay? What was she trying to tell me? Will he come tonight? And if he does, will he help?
Because by now, I know he's not here to hurt me. But I also know he's dangerous—a man with his own agenda. Am I just a pawn? Or does he really...?
And then, suddenly, the lights flicker and go out, plunging the room into darkness. A shiver runs down my spine. Then I see him.
One moment, he's near the balcony door; the next, he's lunging at me like a predator. Before I can process it, his hand is on my throat, pinning me to the table, immobilizing me. He leans in, his breath hot against my ear as he whispers, "Tell me you were really waiting for me.
Bent forward, my hips pressed right up against his groin, and I could feel his hardness against me. Fire blazed across my skin, and my breath came in ragged gasps. What is happening to me? Why am I enjoying this so much?
"I-I... well..."
"Shh..." His whisper was hot against my neck. "Let a man fantasize, Estrellita. I've always imagined this moment, but I never thought it would come so soon." He hummed against my skin, inhaling my scent, sending shivers down my spine. "Tell me, what do I need to do?"
Moments later, his grip loosened, and I took the chance to push him off and straighten up. I still couldn't believe him. "What? You—you really want to help me?"
In the dim light, only his eyes were visible—those familiar, intense black eyes, carrying storms and chaos barely contained. He chuckled darkly, "You have no idea the power you have over me, my Estrellita."
I scoffed at the nickname. Estrellita, Russian meaning for Little Star—something I'd googled, but he never explained why he calls me that. "Then quit the games. I need your help."
He stared at me, his expression blank, unreadable. I sighed, already regretting asking. I knew he'd play with words and charm, but when it came down to it...he wouldn't actually help me.
I reached for my last resort. The video.
"Look, I know you're the one who killed Dr. Helia. And yes, I have proof. A video sent by someone anonymous, probably just as eager to see you finally caught. But that's another issue for another time. Right now, I need you to help me find my friend Lara. She's been missing for sixteen hours, and I have a gut feeling she's not okay. I swear, I won't say a word about you being the killer!"
He took a slow, predatory step toward me, and I instinctively backed away until my spine met the wall. His eyes darkened, a cruel smile spreading across his lips. "So...you had doubts about my 'skills' with Dr. Helia all this time?"
My mouth dropped open. Is he even real? Not only is he confessing, but he seems almost...proud of his murderous talents.
I nearly laughed at myself for thinking I could blackmail him. But with my cards already on the table, I had to make it count. "I know you're not afraid of getting caught, but if I have to fight you to help me, I will. Or if I have to blackmail you through whoever sent that video, I will. So choose wisely, Mr. Devil."
He growled low, and for a moment, I thought I had him cornered. But then a smirk curved his lips as he leaned in, close enough that I could feel his breath on my cheek. He let his tongue graze my skin and murmured, "Mmm... I love it when you take charge. Makes me wonder how 'bad' you really are... so I can make you good."
"Who said I need any redemption?" I shot back.
"Oh, you don't need just redemption. You need a full baptism," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "And I plan to be the one in charge of it."
I narrowed my eyes. "Don't fuck with me. Tell me if you'll help or not."
"I'm not fucking with you." His smirk deepened. "But I'd like to fuck you."
"Ugh..." I groaned, rolling my eyes. "You're impossible."
"And you're stunning."
"Stop flirting—Lara could be in serious danger!" My voice broke with desperation. "Please... I'll do anything you want me to if you just help me find her."
His eyes darkened as he registered my words. "Anything?"
My heart skipped a beat. I knew exactly what I was agreeing to, but I didn't have another choice. With a heavy sigh, I nodded.
"Then tonight, you'll need to steal something from your own house."