The Invisible Chains
Anya sat in the school cafeteria, stirring her juice with the straw absentmindedly. The feeling of unease had been gnawing at her for days now, and she couldn’t ignore it anymore.
Anya
"I swear, you guys, I keep feeling like someone's watching me when I walk home." *She frowned, looking between her two closest friends, Mia and Liana.*
Mia
*Mia gasped dramatically, putting her hands on her cheeks.* "Oh my God, what if it's a secret admirer?"
Liana
*Liana smirked.* "Or a stalker."
Anya
*Anya rolled her eyes.* "You guys are not helping."
Mia
"But seriously," *Mia said, leaning closer.* "Have you actually seen anyone?"
Anya
"No," *Anya admitted, glancing over her shoulder instinctively.* "Every time I turn around, there's nothing. But the feeling is there. Like... eyes on me. Watching. Always watching."
Liana
*Liana shrugged.* "Maybe it's just your imagination. Or maybe it's someone who really likes you but is too shy to approach."
Anya
*Anya sighed, shaking her head.* "If that's true, then I wish they’d just talk to me instead of creeping around in the shadows."
Later that evening, as Anya walked home alone, the cold evening air sent shivers down her spine. The streetlights flickered above her, casting long shadows on the pavement.
Anya
('It’s nothing. It’s nothing.')
Soft. Subtle. A faint crunch of footsteps on pavement.
Anya’s heart pounded as she stopped in her tracks. Slowly, she turned her head, scanning the empty street behind her.
The feeling of being watched only grew stronger.
She quickened her pace, gripping the straps of her bag tightly. Her house was only a few blocks away. Just a little more—
By the time she reached her home, her breaths were uneven, but she forced herself to push the door open. The familiar warmth of the small house greeted her.
Her grandmother was already asleep, the soft glow of the kitchen light illuminating the table where a plate of food waited for her.
Anya
"Grandma..." *she whispered, a small smile tugging at her lips.*
Even after a long day, her grandmother always made sure she was taken care of.
Anya sat down, eating quietly. The strange fear that had followed her home was starting to fade, replaced by the comfort of being inside.
After dinner, she washed the dishes, her mind still clouded with thoughts.
Why did it feel like someone was always behind her?
Was she just imagining it?
Or was she really not alone?
She turned off the kitchen light and headed to her room, crawling under the blankets. But sleep didn’t come easily. She stared at the ceiling, unable to shake the thought lingering in the back of her mind.
Out there, beyond the safety of her walls, someone was watching.
Someone who didn’t just see her.
Someone who had already claimed her as his.
Days passed, and Hael’s obsession grew deeper.
His men reported to him daily, every small detail of her life meticulously documented.
???
"She left school at exactly 4:15 PM today, Boss. Walked with two of her friends, Mia and Liana. They stopped by a bookstore for about fifteen minutes before she continued home."
???
"She had rice and vegetables for dinner. Washed the dishes, then went to her room at approximately 9:00 PM. Lights off by 9:45."
???
"She mentioned to her friends that she feels like she’s being followed."
Hael smirked at that last report, swirling the whiskey in his glass as he leaned back in his chair. So, she’s starting to notice.
It didn’t matter. She wasn’t running. Not yet.
And even if she did—he would find her.
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