Chapter 104: A Whispered Threat
1029words
Back in their apartment, Eki and Dapo tried very hard to make sense of what had happened. Meeting Thorne helped them realize just how powerful their enemy was; they felt like time was running out and found themselves trapped in a difficult race against the clock.
Suddenly, Eki's phone made a sound. On the display, there was a number that Eki did not know. She felt uncertain about it but eventually decided to answer the call.
"Hello?" she said, her voice trembling slightly.
A silence came, and then a voice spoke quietly. "I comprehend your desire," it said.
Eki's heart started to beat quickly. She recognized the voice—it was soft and from a time she couldn't fully recall.
"Who is this?" she asked, trying to sound calm.
"The one who wants to help," the voice says. "Artifacts are hidden in an old storage building at the edge of town." But you must proceed with care. Thorne's people are watching."
Eki wished to keep talking, but suddenly the call went quiet. They had a crucial secret message, an intriguing clue, and new hope.
Eki and Dapo exchanged a thrilled glance. Maybe this was their big chance. They must move fast before Thorne realizes they have found him.
They separated. Dapo will remain in their apartment to keep watch, while Eki goes to the warehouse. This plan is dangerous, but they have no other chance.
When Eki was driving to the warehouse, her mind was full of thoughts. She wondered, what if something was waiting for her at that place? Could it be a trap waiting for her? As she got closer, her heart began to beat more and more quickly.
When she arrived at the warehouse, it was very dark and vacant. It seemed like no one had visited this place in a long time since the windows were all covered with wooden boards. For a moment, her fear was hidden by resolve as she breathed in deeply.
With a flashlight in hand, Eki walked into the building. It was dark and dusty; a smell of rot filled the air around him. Inside, it was not very bright and dust covered everything; a smell like something rotting filled the air. Eki moved forward slowly and carefully, staying very alert to her surroundings.
All of a sudden, she hears noise. It sounds like a gentle whisper coming from the very end of the warehouse. Eki halted immediately and her heart started to beat loudly. Someone was there.
Step by step she went forward, her flashlight creating a way in the darkness. Every shadow seemed to be something scary. The air was very tight, only interrupted by the uneven beat and gentle whisper of her heart.
Suddenly, like magic, one picture showed up from the darkness. Eki took a big breath and quickly moved her hand to get the phone. It was an old lady, her face full of wrinkles that told of many years and a lot of exhaustion.
"Don't be afraid," the woman said, her voice soft. "I won't hurt you."
Eki, feeling a bit more calm now, lowered her phone and relaxed the firm grip she had on it. "You, who are you?" she inquired with a slight quaver in her voice.
The lady smiled, her eyes kind and warm. "I am Amina," she replied. "I have seen you."
Eki felt great confusion. She repeated, "Observing me?" with disbelief in her tone.
Amina nodded. "You and Dapo," she clarified. "You're like your parents. Strong, determined, with a deep love for this country's heritage."
Eki felt very surprised by the lady's words. She never met Amina before, but it seemed like this woman knew everything about her.
"How do you know about us?" Eki asked, her voice filled with caution.
Amina smiled again. "The spirits told me," she replied simply.
Eki felt very surprised. She always asked questions about supernatural things, but now that the situation became so serious, it was becoming difficult to know what was real from what was hard to understand.
"The artefact," Eki began, her voice filled with urgency. "Where is it?"
Amina pointed to a large box in the corner of the warehouse. "It is there," she said, "but please be careful because inside has delicate things." It's guarded."
Eki feels their heart beating very fast. The artefact is closer than Eki thought before, but it may be dangerous hiding in the dark. She must be careful now.
When Amina got closer to the crate, she talked into the dark. "You are not alone, child," she said. "The spirits are with you."
She took out the artefact from the wrapping, which was carefully packed with soft materials. The artefact was more beautiful than she imagined, showing detailed carvings and rich colours that gave the impression of ancient power.
A sensation of triumph ran over her. They discovered it, the stolen item. But, when she tried to touch it with her hand, a sudden cold feeling went through her body. There was a problem.
The room feels much colder, the air becomes thicker like something you cannot see is there. I hear a quiet growl coming from the warehouse, very low and scary.
Eki and Amina exchanged glances, their eyes showing fear. They realized they were not the only ones in the place; someone or perhaps something else was also inside the warehouse with them.
Immediately, the lights went out. The warehouse turned dark. Eki and Amina hold hands for a more sure feeling, finding calm in their shared worries.
From the darkness, two eyes show up, glowing red. Their power feels like slicing through the night. Again, a growl grumbled; it seemed closer this time.
Eki and Amina started to move backwards slowly, feeling their hearts beating hard in their chests. They understood they were trapped and couldn't find a way out. Additionally, something was present and it moved near them.
