"Are you unable to perceive colors?" Agatha's eyebrows arched as she involuntarily took a step closer. "I-I usually can," the boy replied, scratching the back of his head. "But whenever my eyes throb, my vision changes, and everything appears different." "Colorblindness?" Agatha interjected. "No," the boy shook his head. "Colorblindness is congenital. My vision has always been normal. But one day—" he hesitated, noticing Agatha's expression of astonishment. "S-Sorry for rambling," he added, this time scratching his chin awkwardly. "No, you're fine," Agatha smiled warmly. "It sounds intriguing to me, and I don't mean that as an insult. I feel for the pain you're experiencing," she said, her lips curving into a sympathetic frown as she extended a hand in introduction. "I'm Agatha, and you are?" The boy glanced at her hand before shaking it. "Takumi," he murmured. "And I apologize for my earlier rudeness," Agatha said, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Do you come here of
"What will you do with them?" "Read what's inside, obviously." "Why? These books aren't meant for a child like you." "Then why do you have them?" Agatha crossed her arms, her juvenile defiance accentuating Amanda's discomfort in the corner. "U-Uhm, children," Amanda stammered. "Why not share? Little mister Takahashi, you have an extensive collection right here already, can't you let this sweet lady borrow one?" "I question the 'sweet' part," Takumi replied, his lips thinning. "Moreover, these books are part of a series," he shoot Agatha a glare. "If she truly wishes to read them, she'll need to wait for her turn." "How convenient," Agatha said, rolling her eyes before turning to Amanda. "It's fine, Amanda. I don't compel others, particularly those who lack consideration." With that, she departed in search of another library. After an hour of fruitless searching, the sun began to set. Agatha leaned against a nearby wall, gazing at the crimson sky. "I'm running out of tim
As they ventured further into the night, Agatha found herself being drawn towards a looming mansion, its grandeur illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight. In a daze, Agatha followed Takumi, trusting his previous rescue. Despite a ninety percent chance of safety, she remained aware of the residual ten percent risk, a reminder of the inherent uncertainty of their journey. It could be ninety-nine percent, yet again, never zero. The two approached the mansion cautiously, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone path leading to the imposing structure. With bated breath, they slipped through a slightly ajar gate and crept through the overgrown garden, shadows dancing around them like silent sentinels. "No guards?" Agatha thought to herself. "Where in hell is this?" Despite the confusion, her movements still mirrored Takumi's. As they reached the threshold of the mansion, Agatha's heart pounded with anticipation, her pulse quickening with each creak of the ancient door. But a
Agatha and Takumi stood shoulder to shoulder, navigating the intricate maze of their intertwined destinies. Agatha had come to understand that it was Samantha who bore the weight of their grandmother's curse. Accepting the impossibility of reversing it, she resolved to counter its effects, even if the odds of success were slim. With Samantha's impending fate weighing heavy on her heart, Takumi embarked in a promise to share the mission which was fueled by a blend of determination and uncertainty. Their late-night conversations were marked by earnest exchanges, as they delicately crafted a plan to broach the daunting subject with Samantha. Takumi's arcane expertise and Rener's little help provided valuable insights into the intricacies of the curse, while Agatha offered a comforting presence and unwavering support. As they formulated their strategy, they recognized the pivotal role Samantha would play in her own salvation. They knew it had to be done on the night of their birt
Agatha struggled to make sense of it all, feeling increasingly uneasy, especially seeing Samantha remain so composed throughout the revelation. After much deliberation, Samantha reluctantly agreed to Takumi's plea for assistance in unlocking the door to the other realm. Despite Agatha's fervent interjection and expressions of concern, Samantha's resolve remained unshaken, her curiosity piqued by the allure of the unknown. As they delved deeper into the arcane rituals required to breach the threshold between worlds, a palpable sense of unease hung in the air, like a foreboding omen warning of the dangers that lurked beyond. Agatha's protests fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the whispers of dark forces eager to break free from their spectral confines. She couldn't do much after all. Samantha had already become increasingly ensanred by the sinister seal she shared with Rener, beyond the point of return. Truly is too late. All she can do is to help her sister help Takumi. Once s
"You mean to tell me you fled after Shane provided you with what you desired?!" Kathleen's voice reverberated through the room, her anger unmistakable. Dr. Kim watched the interrogation with a gleeful smirk, eager to uncover the truth himself. He sought to comprehend how a man he once considered a friend could so easily abandon those who had strived to help him. "I did not," Takumi replied. "I struck a bargain with Agatha to save her sister after opening the door; however, neither Rener nor I anticipated the immense power wielded by the demon with whom she was bound. We only recently discovered its true identity." Takumi's lips quivered. "The moment the realm was opened, the demon drained Rener's powers, along with the lives of those nearby. As my servant, it was Rener's duty to protect me, so he had no choice but to take me away with him." He heaved a breath. "I passed out that night after being drained and woke up a few days later, only to learn that Agatha had been taken awa
Kathleen had spent the entire day in the hospital, her thoughts a turbulent mix of worry and reflection. The sterile white walls and the relentless ticking of the clock which seem to only exist in her mind stretched the hours into an interminable expanse. She paced the narrow confines of the room, unable to distract herself from her inner turmoil. As evening approached, the view from the small hospital window transformed into a breathtaking canvas of crimson twilight, painting the sky with strokes of red, orange, and gold. Drawn to the beauty outside, Kathleen stood by the window, the cool air contrasting with the sterile environment within. The fiery colors deepened into rich, velvety shades as stars began to punctuate the darkening sky. The hospital seemed to hold its breath, and Kathleen found herself breathing more steadily. The day's endless hours faded into the background, and in the quiet majesty of the crimson night, she found a semblance of clarity. In that moment, bathe
Belle Del Valle's hands trembled as she carefully traced the detailed shapes on the cold, stone floor, the designs gradually forming a glowing pentacle that pulsed with an eerie, otherworldly light. The dim, flickering fluorescent bulbs overhead cast long, wavering shadows that danced in rhythm with the pentacle's sinister glow. As the last line was drawn, the air around her grew thick with a palpable, oppressive energy. Suddenly, from the very center of the pentacle, a swirling mass of black smoke began to materialize, coalescing into a towering, amorphous form. This entity, devoid of any discernible features, exuded an aura of pure malevolence. Belle's heart raced as she took in the sight before her—this was her first encounter with a demon, a being she had scarcely believed could exist. Paralyzed with fear, she watched as the smoky figure loomed closer, its presence suffocating and terrifying. Around her, her comrades stood in a tense silence, their eyes fixed on the unfold
Theresa’s gaze flickered toward Samantha, her fingers absently tightening around the hem of her sleeve. She sat on the couch across from her, positioned beside Tomoya, but despite their proximity, she felt miles away from the conversation about to unfold. Samantha, for her part, remained unnervingly still. Beside her, Kathleen’s posture was equally rigid, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, as though bracing for the inevitable. No one in the room looked prepared for what was coming. The silence stretched, thick and suffocating, until the sharp chime of the doorbell shattered it. Tomoya sprang up, his movements quick—almost desperate. He didn’t make the same mistake as before. This time, he peered through the peephole, his shoulders visibly relaxing only after confirming the identity of the visitor. With a swift motion, he unlatched the door, revealing Takumi. The moment he stepped inside, all eyes locked onto him. Except for Theresa. She couldn’t bring herself to l
“H-How is she—”Theresa’s voice wavered, her disbelief evident in the tremble of her words.Tomoya didn’t hesitate. In a swift movement, he stepped between her and Samantha, blocking her view as if shielding something fragile, something that shouldn’t exist.But Theresa was quicker.She sidestepped him, her eyes locking onto Samantha before widening in shock.“D-Did you guys really open a portal…?” she whispered, the color draining from her face.Her words sent a chill through the room.Kathleen tensed beside Samantha, her fingers curling into fists. She darted forward, gripping Theresa’s arm with a careful but firm touch.“Theresa,” Kathleen’s voice was soft but urgent. “Come inside.”There was no resistance. Theresa allowed herself to be pulled in, her eyes never leaving Samantha, as if afraid that if she looked away, she would vanish.Tomoya, still on edge, cast a quick glance over his shoulder before shutting the door. He lingered for a moment, scanning the dimly lit hallway, ensu
The morning erupted in chaos before Samantha even had a chance to process where she was. The muffled sound of a ringing phone reverberated through Tomoya’s small apartment, followed by the sharp clatter of something being knocked over. From the kitchen, the scent of burnt coffee mixed with the faint tang of disinfectant, remnants of whatever frantic cleaning had taken place the night before. She sat on the worn-out couch, her fingers curling around the fabric of Tomoya’s blanket draped over her lap. Her mind was sluggish, heavy with exhaustion, yet confusion gnawed at her. Why was she here? Why Tomoya’s apartment, of all places? If Takumi wanted to keep her safe, wouldn’t Kathleen’s home have been a more logical choice? Kathleen would have welcomed her without hesitation. But instead, she had woken up to Tomoya pacing the small living room, muttering to himself, his laptop glowing with lines of code she couldn’t decipher. Samantha’s pulse quickened as she tried to recall the las
The stillness of the Takahashi estate lingered in the air like a suffocating fog, broken only by the hurried footsteps of Anwar and Anthony as they dragged Gerald back inside. The young guard’s face was pale, his wide eyes darting around like a hunted animal. “I… I swear I didn’t mean to wander around,” Gerald stammered. “Something… something pulled me into the garden. I just… got lost.” Takumi’s sharp gaze pierced through him, but he said nothing, gesturing for Anwar and Anthony to continue their investigation. When they reached the surveillance room, the scene before them deepened the mystery. Two guards, barely conscious and bloodied, were slumped against the consoles. Their wounds weren’t life-threatening but told a tale of a brutal struggle. The air in the room was thick with the metallic tang of blood and the faint hum of the untouched monitors. “Junel,” one of the injured guards managed to rasp. “It… it was him. He attacked us out of nowhere… like he was possessed.” Anthon
"J-Junel! What’s going on? What are you doing?" Samantha’s voice cracked as fear tightened its grip on her throat. Her feet stumbled backward as Junel advanced with slow, deliberate steps, his shadow looming larger under the dim light. Samantha’s heart pounded wildly, her eyes flicking between the knife in his trembling hand and his face—blank, emotionless, and eerily pale. His movements were mechanical, devoid of humanity, as if he were a puppet pulled by unseen strings. "C-Cut it out, Junel!" she pleaded, her voice breaking into a desperate groan. "One more step, and I’ll scream! The guards—they’re right outside. I swear, I’ll sue you!" But Junel didn’t stop. His gaze, glassy and unfocused, passed through her as though she weren’t there. He moved with a haunting slowness, each step a deliberate march toward her. Samantha's stomach churned as she realized something was horribly wrong. This wasn’t Junel—at least not the Junel she knew. It was as if a stranger had stepped into
"You need what now?" Zach’s voice was sharp, though he leaned closer as if Takumi’s request was somehow a mistake he had misheard. Takumi sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. The words had been difficult enough to say the first time, but now he had to repeat himself. “Samantha’s belongings. The ones taken from her office and from her home for evidence after the incident.” Zach sat back in his chair, his expression shifting from disbelief to suspicion. “You’re kidding me. That’s highly restricted material. Chain of custody rules. You know I can’t just hand it over.” “I’m not asking you to hand anything over,” Takumi replied evenly. “I just need access. A chance to examine them.” “For what?” Zach asked, his tone laced with doubt. “You think her hairbrush or her diary is going to solve this mess?” “It’s not about the belongings themselves,” Takumi said, his voice calm but firm. “It’s about what they might reveal. Patterns, traces—clues that could explain what’s been happenin
The stillness of the Takahashi estate lingered in the air like a suffocating fog, broken only by the hurried footsteps of Anwar and Anthony as they dragged Gerald back inside. The young guard’s face was pale, his wide eyes darting around like a hunted animal. “I… I swear I didn’t mean to wander around,” Gerald stammered. “Something… something pulled me into the garden. I just… got lost.” Takumi’s sharp gaze pierced through him, but he said nothing, gesturing for Anwar and Anthony to continue their investigation. When they reached the surveillance room, the scene before them deepened the mystery. Two guards, barely conscious and bloodied, were slumped against the consoles. Their wounds weren’t life-threatening but told a tale of a brutal struggle. The air in the room was thick with the metallic tang of blood and the faint hum of the untouched monitors. “Junel,” one of the injured guards managed to rasp. “It… it was him. He attacked us out of nowhere… like he was possessed.” A
Outside, she cast a glance at Takumi’s butler, who stood rigidly by the car. “Not joining us, sir?” she called out with a casual edge.The butler smiled faintly. “I’ll wait here, detective.”Dryzza shrugged and headed into the station. Inside, she spotted Takumi seated at Zach’s desk, his posture deceptively relaxed but his eyes betraying an intensity that made her pause. Across the room, Sai was furiously dialing Zach’s number on the office phone.“Why’d you leave him out there?” Dryzza hissed as she slipped into the chair beside Sai.Sai glanced at her, lowering his voice. “He wasn’t saying much—just sitting there quietly. It’s unnerving.”Dryzza’s lips curved into a sly grin. “Sounds like a golden opportunity.” Without waiting for Sai’s protest, she strolled toward Takumi.She eased into the chair across from him, letting the silence stretch. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Takumi cut her off, his voice steady and deliberate.“I believe I was clear about who I wanted to see,
"Where are you heading this time, Dryz?" Sai's voice cut through the quiet night as he hastily followed Dryzza toward her car, his footsteps echoing against the pavement."Go back inside, Sai," she replied, her tone low and clipped, almost swallowed by the soft hum of the wind. She pulled open the car door with an air of finality, her movements precise and deliberate."Not until you tell me where you're planning to go," Sai groaned, quickly stepping in front of the car, blocking her path with arms spread wide. "Don't tell me you're going to storm into Dr. Takahashi's manor. We're set to search the place again tomorrow. Can't you just wait and stick to the process?"Dryzza's jaw tightened, her knuckles gripping the edge of the car door. "If we stick to the process, every step we take will already be anticipated," she countered, her voice sharp yet calm."And what will that accomplish?" Sai snapped, his frustration bleeding into his words. "Gathering evidence that can't even be used in