Download Chereads APP
Chereads App StoreGoogle Play
Chereads

The Secrets of CHIAROSCURO (The Demon Eyes)

🇮🇳AK31
--
chs / week
--
NOT RATINGS
3.4k
Views
Synopsis
In a world of hidden truths, Joseph, a man with a seemingly normal past, harbors dark secrets tied to his complex heritage. Despite his attempts at a normal life, the weight of his lineage constantly looms. When strange events spiral out of control, Joseph, aided by his equally mysterious friend David, confronts forces both supernatural and human. As dangerous secrets unfold and new enemies emerge, Joseph's loyalties are tested, blurring the lines between ally and enemy. The sudden appearance of shadowy figures thrusts Joseph into a web of conspiracy, revenge, and a desperate race against time. Forced to confront resurfacing dark memories, he must face those determined to control the world that has long been watching him. Who can Joseph trust, and what will he sacrifice to protect those he loves? This gripping tale of suspense, action, and hidden powers will leave you questioning who the real monsters are in a world shrouded in shadows.
VIEW MORE

Chapter 1 - Chapter One: The Lovely Night

The night was warm, the kind of summer night that felt like a gentle embrace. The city buzzed in the distance, but here, on the balcony of a modest hotel, time seemed to slow down. Two college boys, Arlo and Alex, sat in the dim light, the glow from their half-empty beer bottles reflecting in their eyes. The night had been one of their spontaneous escapades, a chance to escape the monotony of campus life.

Arlo, a cautious soul by nature, took a long, contemplative sip of his beer before setting it down. "Let's stop here. I think it's too much for tonight,"he suggested, his voice steady, though the alcohol had already started to blur the edges of his thoughts.

Alex, on the other hand, was already far gone, the alcohol fueling his bravado. His speech was slurred, but his intent was clear. "Whaaat are you afraid of, brother? That's why I booked this room, so we can drink all niiiight!" His grin was lopsided, his eyes glassy, but there was a wildness in his demeanor that Arlo couldn't quite ignore.

Arlo glanced around, trying to ground himself in something familiar. His gaze landed on the balcony next to theirs. The hotel had a quirky design, with adjoining balconies that offered an unintentional view into the neighboring rooms. "You know," he said, leaning forward as if the thought had just struck him, "it looks like we can see into the next room."

Alex followed Arlo's gaze, his grin widening. "Yeah, now that you mention it, looks like there's a couple next door. Or... maybe they're just hooking up." His voice dripped with mischief. "Let's check."

Despite the alcohol muddling his judgment, Arlo hesitated."On second thought, we should let them enjoy their night. We shouldn't disturb a couple."

But Alex was beyond reasoning. With a reckless glint in his eye, he moved closer to the edge of their balcony, peering through the glass door of the adjacent room. "Can't you see?" he whispered excitedly. "She's wearing some nice undergarments."

Arlo's discomfort grew, his instincts telling him to walk away. "Let's go back," he urged, trying to pull Alex away, his voice more urgent now.

Alex shook off Arlo's hand, his confidence swelling with every passing second. "That's why you don't get a girl, my friend. See? She's sitting on the bed, and the guy's already out cold. She might need more... attention. And after a thought, they probably aren't even married," he added, as if that somehow justified his actions.

Arlo's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of fear and adrenaline coursing through his veins. But Alex was undeterred. He moved toward the door with the determination of someone who had already decided his fate. "I must help her," Alex declared with a grin. "And tonight, my friend, you'll learn how to make a woman love you," he said, turning back to wink at Arlo.

Alex's knock on the door echoed in the quiet night. "Knock, knock."

Time seemed to stretch in the seconds that followed. The sound of the door unlocking was agonizingly slow. "Click, creak." Arlo's breath caught in his throat, a mix of curiosity and dread twisting his stomach into knots.

The door opened to reveal a woman, likely in her late twenties, standing in the dim light of the room. She was breathtaking, with long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, contrasting against the crimson of her short nightgown. The thin straps of the gown clung to her delicate shoulders, and it was clear she wore nothing underneath. Her cleavage was tantalizingly revealed, drawing Alex's gaze immediately.

"Hello, beautiful miss," Alex greeted her with a confident smile, his voice smooth despite the alcohol.

The woman's voice was soft, almost melodic. "I don't think we asked for room service," she replied, her tone carrying a hint of amusement rather than discomfort.

Alex's grin widened. "No, you didn't order anything. I came from next door just to meet this beautiful lady and get to know her better."

The woman tilted her head slightly, her smile playful. "Thank you, kid," she said, the word 'kid' holding a teasing edge.

"No need to thank me," Alex replied smoothly, "I just speak the truth... but the man inside..." he trailed off, nodding towards the figure on the bed.

The woman's smile faltered slightly as she sighed, a hint of frustration in her eyes. "We met at the bar earlier, but by the time we got back here, he was already too drunk to do much of anything," she admitted, her voice carrying a note of dissatisfaction.

Alex sensed an opportunity and stepped closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "It's a shame to see such a beautiful woman's heart broken. If you've got a little room for me, I think I could be... helpful."

The woman's smile returned, this time with a mischievous glint in her eye. She winked at him and, without a word, led him inside. Alex followed her, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and unease.

As he stepped into the room, a strange heaviness settled over him. The man on the bed was still, too still. His presence was imposing even in his unconscious state. A golden watch gleamed on his wrist, and a silver chain hung around his neck, catching the light from the bedside lamp. A cobra tattoo wound its way up his back, its eyes seemingly alive, staring into Alex's soul.

Alex swallowed hard, a sense of foreboding creeping into his thoughts. "Gulp."

The woman leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered, "I'll take a shower first."

Her words sent a shiver down Alex's spine, momentarily erasing his fear. He nodded eagerly, watching as she sauntered towards the bathroom, the outline of her curves barely visible through the steam-covered glass door.

As the bathroom door clicked shut behind her, Alex was left alone in the room with the unconscious man, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. The night, once filled with the promise of excitement, now felt like it was teetering on the edge of something much darker.

Chapter 1 - Ends