Chapter 5 Demons
I ran all the way home, I wasn't sure which route I took but all I wanted to do was get home and check if my family's safe. My bag bounced against my side, and my shoes slapped the ground hard, but I didn’t stop until I reached our street. My chest burned from the run, but fear drove me forward.
When I pushed the front door open, the house was silent. The lights in the living room were off. My mother usually waited for me, even if she was tired but they weren't on, all I could hear was the echoes of the wind.
“Mom?” My voice echoed.
I dropped my bag by the door and rushed through the house. The kitchen was empty, dinner untouched on the counter. My brother’s room was dark. I checked every corner, every door. Nothing.
Panic surged through me as I called again. “Mom! Daniel!” but there was no answer.
I grabbed my phone from my pocket, dialing my mother’s number. It rang twice before a soft knock came from the front door.
My stomach sank, is she the one?
I turned slowly. The door creaked open, and Charles stepped inside. He didn’t rush. He moved like he owned the place. His black coat brushed his knees, his shirt open at the collar.
“Looking for them?” His voice was calm.
“Where are they?” My hands clenched at my sides. “What did you do?”
Charles closed the door behind him and set his hand on the frame, leaning slightly. “They’re safe. For now.”
I ran toward him, anger cutting through my fear. “Bring them back! Where are they?”
He caught my wrist easily, holding it tight but not painful. He bent close, his eyes sharp. “Careful, Elena. If you want to keep them safe, you’ll listen.”
I pulled back, but his grip didn’t move. “Please,” I whispered. “Don’t hurt them.”
He let go, brushing his thumb once across my skin before stepping past me into the living room. “Then be a good girl, do as I say. Keep your mouth shut, and they’ll return home. Alive.”
My knees felt weak. I wanted to scream, to throw something at him, but all that came out was a broken sound.
“Please,” I said again. “I’ll do anything. Just don’t touch them.”
Charles smiled faintly, lowering himself onto the couch as if he lived here. “That’s what I like to hear.” He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. “ Be obedient ,trust me Elena. You’ll find it easier this way.”
Tears stung my eyes, but I forced myself not to cry. Crying wouldn’t help. I stood frozen, staring at him, waiting for him to leave, how did I cross part with this monster.
Finally, he rose, moving toward the door. He stopped close enough for me to feel his breath. “You’ll see them soon. If you behave.”
Then he was gone, the door closing behind him with a soft click.
I sank to the floor, hugging my knees. My body shook with silent sobs I couldn’t hold back. I stayed there until exhaustion pulled me into sleep.
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed and dressed for school. My reflection in the mirror looked pale and hollow. I didn't even bother about how I looked, I forced myself to walk anyway. If I didn’t, people would ask questions I couldn’t answer.
At school, I kept my head down. The halls buzzed with chatter, but it felt distant.
“Elena,” a voice called.
I looked up to see the principal at the end of the hall. She waved me into her office.
I sat stiffly in the chair across from her desk.
She folded her hands, studying me. “Is everything all right at home? I tried calling your parents last night, but no one answered.”
My heart jumped. “They’re fine,” I said quickly.
She raised a brow. “Are you sure? You look… tired.”
I forced a small smile. “My mom had to work late, that’s all. My brother stayed with a friend.”
The lie left a bitter taste in my mouth, but it slipped out smooth.
"Alright, you need to study hard. Slipping away will affect your results." She muttered, her hands flipping across a page.
"I am, won't forget that." I slipped a smile.
" The scholarship is at the corner Elena, I don't think you're serious enough." She added, looking up at me.
" Why did you say that?"I asked, looking puzzled.
" Your scores in your core courses is nothing to write home about and have you been skipping class?"
" Skipp...", I stammered, trying to look cool. How do I tell her I'm going through a lot, I'm battling my own demon who turns out to be the professor next door. I clenched my fist.
"Yes, you have been skipping class." She furrowed, her expression changed, she looks more serious.
"Only when my mom need me." I mumbled, blurting out another lie.
The principal studied me a moment longer, then sighed. “If you need anything, Elena, my door is open.”
I nodded, thanked her, and left before she could ask more.
The hall felt heavier now. My skin prickled with the sense of being watched. I turned my head and saw Charles at the far end. He stood outside his office, speaking with another teacher, but his eyes flicked to me and lingered.
My steps faltered.
He finished his conversation and gestured for me. His hand motion was subtle, but the meaning was clear: come.
My stomach twisted. I walked slowly toward his office, each step louder in my head than the last. Students passed me, some nodding, some chatting, none of them knowing the storm inside me, the monster behind these walls.
When I reached his door, I stopped. The wood felt cold under my fingers.
Inside, I knew he was waiting. Waiting to test me, to see if I would obey.
If I entered, I surrendered more of myself. If I stayed outside, I risked my family.
I stood frozen, my hand on the handle, my breath caught between two impossible choices.
