Ethan walked home alone, lost in thought. He didn't know what else to do. He had dragged Alex and Lena into this because of his selfishness.As he turned onto his street, the fear crept over him. Every step he took felt watched.
"Ethan!"
He spun around, a little scared. Who would call him this time of the night, not realizing that it was Lena. Lena rushed toward him, concern and fear written all over her.
"What happened?" Ethan asked.
" I... saw... Julian... at... my house ", Lena said trying to catch her breath.
Ethan's heart skipped a beat.
" What?! ", Ethan exclaimed.
Just then, Alex cycled in, wearing the same expression Lena had.
"Let me guess, Julian is watching you guys too"
Ethan and Lena nodded simultaneously in agreement.
" He's targeting us ", Lena blurted out in fear.
" It's all my fault. I dragged you guys into this. I... "
Lena cut in immediately, " We are your friends. That's what we are for ", Lena assured.
Alex frowned. " But why target us?"
"He's prolly connected to the symbol," Ethan replied. "Maybe seeking it's power."
But Ethan's determination hardened. "We must uncover the truth, no matter the risk.".
Ethan's fear intensified.
"We need to stick together. Let's go to my house."
" We need to leave now!", Ethan demanded.
Together, they quickened their pace, reaching Ethan's front door in seconds. But as they burst through the front door, an unsettling silence greeted them.
Ethan's fear spiked
" Mom?..., Dad?... ", Ethan called, but only echoes replied.
" I don't think they're home ", Alex added
" But They're always home ",
Alex moved around scrutinizing the empty rooms.
"Something doesn't feel right."
" Ethan look! ", Lena gasped after examining the kitchen and finding a note.
The note on the counter read;
" I told you but you wouldn't listen. Now you've dragged them into this. You aren't ready for this. Get out of there now you can. I'm so sorry but they've taken your parents. You have to keep moving."
Ethan couldn't even react. What had he done?, now his parents were now a part of it.
"What have I done ? What have I dragged you guys into? Why did i do this?"
There was no time for emotions, because suddenly, the lights flickered. Shadows moving around menacingly.
" Oh no! Julian's here ", Alex warned, " He must have followed us ".
A creaking floorboard outside confirmed his ominous presence.
"We need to leave. Now," Ethan urged, " There's nothing we can do, except run ", Ethan added.
Lena saw his agony, pain and concern. She couldn't have helped but wonder,
" How could Ethan bear all this? ".
Stunned, Ethan striked a gaze towards Lena and Alex.
" Why the fuck are you guys still standing ", he asked," Let's get the fuck out of here".
" Before I lose you guys too", he murmured.
Ethan punched the window open and gestured for them to get out first.
Lena gripped Ethan's hand tightly.
"We'll find them. Together. I promise."
She gazed into Ethan's green eyes, while Alex jumped out.
Just then, Julian went through the door.
" You can't hide from me Ethan ".
" Shit ", Ethan exclaimed, as he grabbed Lena by her waist and jumped down, forgetting it was a two story building.
" Ethan, Nooo...!! ", Alex exclaimed, knowing the impending danger of Ethan's jump. But Ethan didn't care. He just wanted to correct his mistakes.
"You're fascinating, Ethan," Julian whispered to himself. "But your curiosity will be your downfall."
Ethan hit himself hard on the floor, cushioning Lena from the impact.
The impact of Lena and his weight was enough to fracture his skull but fortunately, Ethan had nothing on him, although it hurt badly.
" Let's get moving ", Ethan demanded, as they all began to run as fast as they could.
As they fled into the night, Ethan realized that his parents' disappearance was just the beginning. He just hoped to right his wrongs. He was happy that Lena and Alex were by his side.
They ran into the night, petrified not knowing what lay ahead of them.
As night fell, the shadows outside seemed to close in, Julian watching them like a hawk on his prey.