Louisa's POV:
“What do you mean I made them go away?”
Titus's voice is laden with confusion and hope as he explains, “There were two spirits beside you. Before you fainted, I saw them scream in pain and then disappear.”
He pauses, waiting for me to process this. “That’s why I’m here,” he adds softly. “I thought you could help me.”
Power?
The concept is disorienting. I had never considered my ability to sense spirits as a power. My father always told me it was something I needed to control, but I never gave it much thought. Now, hearing it from someone outside my father’s circle, I’m forced to question—could this truly be a power?
What can I do with it?
What kind of power is it?
Our conversation ends as I admit my inability to help him. Titus’s face falls with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. It’s clear he’s desperate to rid himself of the girl’s haunting presence but is at a loss on how to do so.
But why does she believe he’s in love with her?
From Titus's memories, there was no indication of affection or interest towards her. Her belief seems misplaced, adding another layer of confusion to the situation.
Lost in thought, I wander into a dark alley, disoriented and unsure of my surroundings.
The street is unfamiliar, and I have no idea how to get back.
Shit, I'm lost?!
“AAARRRGGHHHH…!!!”
I jump in fright, my heart racing. The sound of a woman’s scream pierces the silence.
Where am I?
“Please… stop…!!”
Should I investigate?
The screams are chilling, and I can’t just ignore them despite my better judgment.
“AAARRGGHHHH…!!!!”
The terror in the screams is unbearable. I tell myself not to go inside, but my curiosity gets the better of me.
Cursing my own impulsiveness, I approach the source of the noise and push open the door. It creaks open to reveal an old warehouse.
My heart leaps as a couple emerges from inside. The sight is unexpected—a strikingly beautiful man with silver hair and golden eyes, accompanied by a woman hastily trying to cover herself. I’m taken aback, unable to process what I’ve stumbled upon.
“Can we help you?” The man’s voice is smooth, his eyes locking onto mine with a peculiar intensity. He murmurs something I can’t quite understand, his gaze almost accusatory.
Embarrassed, I look away, realizing the situation. The woman is hurriedly dressing, and the scene is deeply uncomfortable.
“I'm sorry, I thought I heard a… scream?” My voice trembles, and my face flushes with embarrassment.
“Oh God, this is so awkward!” I mutter to myself, quickly retreating.
I pull out my phone, opening the map app to navigate my way back home, trying to erase the embarrassing encounter from my mind.
Unbeknownst to me, the man with the golden eyes watches as I leave.
Back Home
Click.
I’m greeted by my father’s concerned voice as I step inside the house. “I got your text. Are you okay? What happened?”
I shrug off the concern with a nonchalant air. “I got lost. Sorry, Father.”
He looks relieved but still worried. “I was worried. I’m glad you’re okay.”
I offer him a reassuring smile as he hands me a cup of tea. After a sip, I decide to share more about my day. “Something happened at school,” I begin, catching his attention. “I met someone—a guy.”
He raises an eyebrow playfully. “Not like that!” I clarify quickly, noticing his teasing grin.
He chuckles. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. Please continue.”
I shake my head, laughing, and finish my tea before speaking. “His name is Titus. He has a girl attached to him.”
My father blinks in confusion. “Attached?”
I nod. “The girl believes they’re in love, but Father…” I hesitate, weighing how much to reveal. “When he entered the room, I saw his memories—the moments before everything happened.”
He looks taken aback, his eyes widening in realization. He nods thoughtfully, as if he understands more than he’s letting on.
“What is it, Father?” I ask, curiosity piqued.
He gets up and retrieves something from his backpack, returning with a book. “The reason I chose this city,” he says, handing it to me, “is because of this.”
The book’s title reads, The Sixth Sense.
“The Sixth Sense?” I echo, puzzled.
He nods. “My instincts have always been reliable. An old friend told me about this city and its history. He’s quite old, older than he appears.”
“How old?” I ask, astonished.
“I met him when I was your age. At that time, he was 72 but looked like he was in his 30s,” he explains.
My eyes widen in shock. “You mean… a vampire?”
He nods solemnly. “This city is where a vampire came to the US.”
A vampire?!
“Why did you choose this place? What’s your plan?” I ask, trying to process the information.
He meets my gaze seriously. “Because he has the information we need.”
The idea that a vampire might hold answers is both intriguing and unsettling. Is it possible they exist?
He points to the book in my hand. “That’s from him. Read it.”
I nod, my mind racing with possibilities, and watch as he leaves, his phone ringing incessantly.
The Sixth Sense—an ability to perceive beyond normal senses. I begin reading, contemplating the implications.
“Louisa…”
I look up to see my father’s concerned gaze as he prepares to leave. “Are you okay by yourself?” he asks, grabbing his jacket and car keys.
“I’m fine,” I assure him, waving the book. “I’ll just read.”
He nods, and I watch him leave.
I’m in Salem, Massachusetts now. Initially, I was puzzled by my father’s choice of location. But now, I realize it’s connected to me.
I wonder what we’ll uncover here…
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