Echoes in the Night
Elise Carter
*running her fingers through her tangled hair, sighing softly* (Adrian... why does he have to be so intoxicating? That charm, that unpredictability—it's terrifying and yet impossible to resist.)
Elise Carter
*pauses, her eyes distant* (But is that really what I want? Something fleeting? Casual? Every time I try to convince myself to enjoy it, that nagging doubt creeps in.)
Elise Carter
(Could I survive being close to someone who takes nothing seriously? Or am I just setting myself up for heartbreak?)
Before I could spiral further into my thoughts, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. The sound jolted me out of my reverie.
I reached over, grateful for the distraction, and saw Daniel's name flashing on the screen. My lips curved into a faint smile—Daniel was the one constant in my chaotic life, the anchor I didn’t realize I needed until I had it.
Daniel Reed
*over the phone, voice warm and steady* Morning, Elise. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.
Elise Carter
*sitting up and brushing her hair back* No, not at all. What’s up?
Daniel Reed
*soft chuckle* Good. I was talking to Father Nathaniel Grace earlier. He’d like to meet you. I might’ve mentioned you to him… not everything, of course, but enough. He would like to meet you.
Elise Carter
*hesitant, fidgeting with the edge of her blanket* Daniel, I don’t know. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea…
Daniel Reed
*gently but firmly* Elise, I know things haven’t been easy for you. But Father Grace is a good man. Let me take you—it might do you some good.
Elise Carter
*pausing, her fingers tightening slightly on the blanket* (Maybe he’s right… Daniel’s the only connection I have to something normal. Something safe.) *exhales deeply* Okay. Let’s go.
Later that day, we stood before the grand cathedral of Eastmoor, its gothic spires piercing the sky.
The air inside was heavy with incense, the silence only broken by soft footsteps echoing against the marble floors.
Daniel guided me to a modest office, where I was to meet the enigmatic Father Grace.
Father Nathaniel Grace
* rising from his seat, offering a firm handshake* “Miss Carter, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Elise Carter
*shaking his hand with a polite smile* Likewise.
Father Nathaniel Grace
*gesturing to the chairs, his sharp eyes assessing her as they sit* I understand you’re new to Eastmoor. How are you finding the city?
Elise Carter
It’s... an adjustment. But I’m settling in.
Father Nathaniel Grace
*nodding thoughtfully* And what brought you here, if I may ask?
Elise Carter
*forcing a smile* A fresh start. I needed a change.
Though the conversation shifted to lighter topics, I couldn’t shake the unease that lingered. Father Grace seemed to see more than he revealed, his intense gaze weighing every word. By the time we left, Daniel appeared satisfied, but my mind buzzed with doubt.
That evening, I worked beside Daniel at the restaurant, my thoughts a restless storm.
Daniel Reed
*noticing her distracted state, leaning closer* Hey, are you okay?
Elise Carter
*forcing a small smile* Yeah. Just tired.
He didn’t press, but his concern was evident. By the end of our shift, he offered to walk me home, and I gratefully accepted.
But as we stepped outside, my heart sank. Adrian was there, leaning casually against his motorcycle, his presence impossible to ignore.
Adrian Verlais
*smirking, his tone smooth and teasing* Elise. Ready to go home?
Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, his hand brushing my arm as he leaned in.
Adrian Verlais
We could pick up where we left off.
Elise Carter
*freezing, her cheeks flushing*
Daniel Reed
*stepping between them* That’s enough. Leave her alone. *his voice sharp* can't you see you make her uncomfortable?
Adrian Verlais
*raising an eyebrow, amused* Relax. I won't force her to go anywhere she doesn’t want to.
Adrian Verlais
*he tilted his head, his tone softening* But I will get in trouble if I don't take her home safely. Also, if anything happens to her while she’s with you... The boss doesn’t take kindly to screw-ups.
Daniel Reed
*stepping closer* Is that a threat?
Elise Carter
*quickly stepping between them* Stop it. Both of you. Just… stop.
Adrian Verlais
*studying her for a moment, then stepping back with a shrug* Fine. Do whatever you want.
Adrian Verlais
*swinging onto his motorcycle* Good luck with your knight in shining armor. I’m sure he’ll do a great job taking care of you.
The engine roared to life, and without waiting for a response, Adrian sped off into the night.
I stood there, seething, a mix of confusion, anger, and something else I couldn’t quite place tightening in my chest.
Elise Carter
Yeah. Let’s just go.
Daniel walked me to his apartment, his protective presence a stark contrast to Adrian’s intensity. Once inside, he made me a cup of tea and sat with me on the small couch.
Daniel Reed
You don’t have to go back there if you don’t want to.
Daniel Reed
I can keep you safe, Elise.
Elise Carter
Thank you, Daniel.
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