ADRIAN POV:
I found myself sprinting through the forest, the trees blurring past me. But why couldn't I remember who I was? A wave of panic washed over me. I knew I was a monster. I couldn't bring her into this world. What was happening to me? I had never felt this way in 800 years. I punched a nearby tree in frustration. I needed to ensure she stayed away from me at all costs.
EIRA POV:
Sleep eluded me. I couldn't shake the memory of Adrian's gaze, that intense moment when he held me captive. Why hadn't I pushed him away? And why did he run off? My mind raced. Adrian was going to drive me mad.
Suddenly, a strange scent wafted through my room—like old books mixed with the earthy aroma of forest grasses. Curiosity piqued, I peered through the peephole in my door. I saw a group of people approaching Andy's room, all wearing the same black coats I had seen in my dreams.
I pulled out my phone and tried to call Mrs. Harle Gargi, the hostel principal. Why wasn't she answering?
The group entered Andy's room, keys jangling as they unlocked the door. My heart raced. I wanted to see more, but fear rooted me in place.
After a tense moment, they emerged. One of them said, "We need to tell Adrian."
My heart sank. How did Adrian know Andy? What was happening? I pressed my forehead against the door, trying to process it all. Was this a nightmare? I lay back on my bed, overwhelmed, and soon drifted into an uneasy sleep.
RIIIIINNNNNGGGG... RRRRIIIINNNGGG...
What is that noise? My alarm blared, pulling me from my dreams. I couldn't be late again.
As I walked through the corridor, thoughts of the previous night swirled in my mind. I spotted Adrian at college, but he completely ignored me, as if I didn't exist.
Suddenly, I bumped into someone. "Oh! I'm sorry!" I looked up to see Tessy.
"No problem! You look worried. What's wrong?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
"Nothing," I replied, but I couldn't hold it in.
"Wait! Do you know anything about people who wear black coats and cover their faces?"
"Yes!" Tessy replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned closer.
"Who?" I asked, my heart racing.
She shouted in my ear, "Monsters!" and burst into laughter.
I rolled my eyes. "You watch too many horror movies. Anyway, I should get back to the hostel."
"Right! Just joking!" she said, still chuckling.
ADRIAN POV:
Eira looked lost in thought. I ignored her completely, determined to keep her at arm's length. But why was she so intriguing? I watched her from a distance, tension mounting as I overheard her conversation with Tessy.
She had seen them at night. I needed to stop her from going to the cops. If she talked, they wouldn't leave her alone. I punched the wall in frustration. Why couldn't she just stay away?
EIRA POV:
I quickly changed my clothes and locked the door, determined to speak to the police. After an hour on the bus, I finally arrived. Why did it have to be so far? I walked down the empty road, unease creeping in.
Suddenly, everything went dark. A blanket was thrown over me from behind. Panic surged through me as I kicked and fought. But then I felt a cold hand on my neck, sending chills down my spine. What was happening? I needed to escape.
Before I could react, he twisted a nerve in my neck, and darkness swallowed me whole.