I could sense some weight on me as I was sleeping on the bed. I clenched into the comforters closing my eyes shut. The weight moved towards my head. And someone beside me started rubbing my hairs shuffling them and playing with them.

"I see myself in you, Faith. You are just like me except you inherited your eyes from your Father. You look beautiful, my daughter," The person sleeping beside me on the bed whispered through my ears. I shivered in my sleep. The sweat was forming on my head as the body beside me came closer and cuddled up with me. She held me in her arms as she pecked on my tightly closed eyes and then on forehead. She started humming the melody which I grew up hearing at.

I sobbed hard as the emotions overflowed through me. The deep fear engrossed through me when I heard the same voice all over again. It was my mother there was no doubt about it. But how? She was singing When you wish upon a star. The song she would often sing for me being her own favourite. I still have a cassette of the same song and I hear it when I remember her soothing voice. I opened my eyes finally with a lot of courage with tears leaving my eyes from the side through the edge of both eyes. I was shaking with fear but still managed to slowly turn my head to the side to see the same smile which now sent shivers through my body.

"Mom," I whispered through a shaky voice. Her smile widened but her eyes were dark without any emotions. I felt chills all across me.

"Shhhhh..." She said moving her hand from me and putting a finger on her lips asking me to fall asleep. I still kept looking at her trying to get her emotions, trying to see why she is here and what she wants to tell me.

"Sleep, baby," she said again moving her hand over my cheek and wiping my tears away. Her smile disappeared in the blink and some haunting expressions took over her face. I wanted to get up and move but I felt like someone was holding me back. I could see her moving closer to me and I was able to see her terrifying dark black eyes. The white portion was nowhere to be seen. She smiled again as her face came dangerously closer to mine. I wanted to push her away but I couldn't move my hands or feet. I was paralyzed.

She opened her mouth. That was dark. The hole kept growing bigger covering her face and some black solution started flowing through her mouth. It was going to fall on my mouth when I jerked hard. My chest was moving up and down as my eyes were glued to the ceiling. It was just a dream, a bad dream. Calm down, Faith. I looked to my side and there was no one. I let out a sigh and started fiddling my fingers intertwining the comforter into my hand but there was something off about it.

I looked down. My eyes widened with shock as I looked at the white gown in my hand. My hands started shaking with fear. I got up and sat straight trying to wipe the sweat forming on my forehead and neck. My gaze refused to move from that white piece of cloth which was lying in front of me. It was the same. The same gown she was in when we buried her. I still remember it crystal clear. I wasn't wrong. How... How come it is here. It can't be. This must be something else. I started panting loudly when I heard a knocking sound of the window. I moved my neck rapidly but there was no one.

It came again while I was still looking at the window. It's not the window. I was sure about it. My gaze wandered throughout the room but there was no one. No one beside me. Again! And one more time!

The sound was that of someone knocking on the glass. I was sure but I couldn't figure out from where it was coming. The tears started flowing through my eyes and I wanted to shout. I opened my mouth in a hope to call my mom and dad but no sound followed. I looked at the front at the lying dress. It started getting stained with red. The red thing was falling from the roof on my bed and on that dress. I shook my head and tried to move but I again paralyzed just like the dream I saw. I finally looked up at the ceiling.

NO! It can't be. It's not the truth. I could see her stuck on the ceiling and looking down at me. A creepy smile lingering on her face as she looked at me. Her hairs left loose and coming on her face covering it in the dark. I started shivering with fear. I couldn't think straight. I couldn't move when all I wanted to do was run away. The tears. They kept running continuously without making any sound. The glass sound came again and my eyes moved by the direction of the sound. I thought it was coming from my window until I heard it coming from my mirror again. I don't know what is happening to me anymore. If this is a dream I better wake up at the moment before... I heard a giggling sound coming from my roof and I knew what I might be seeing.

I still couldn't refrain from looking at the wall. The figure was right in front of my eyes holding against my wall as it looked back at me with pure hatred. My mother was covered with blood and had a lingering smile. Before I could do anything the smile was gone as she jumped on me.

My eyes shot open, I was panting a little with my body sweaty all over. My gaze wandered around the room without wasting any time. The clock said it was 5 in the morning as I heard the voice of light rain outside. I wiped my face and sat straight in my bed with a hope that this shouldn't be a dream and it wasn't. I was finally awake and able to move. My sleep paralysis didn't follow me here. My mother yet again followed me to the nightmares when I thought she is long gone.

I rested my back against a pillow and kept looking out of the window with a blank mind. I don't want to think or remember anything. It was still dark with the forest around and rainy weather to add to it. I am pretty sure I won't get any sleep now and I don't even want to sleep with the horror I saw unfolding before me sometimes back. I sniffed hard as the tears escaped my eyes. A sob left my mouth and I felt my body shaking in no time. I try to suppress my sobs and prevent from crying but I failed miserably. I held my face in my hands and let out the remaining tears emptying myself before I go to school.

************

I came to school earlier than usual as I was reckless and wanted to get out of the house. I went straight to the football court and waited there with a hope to find Aiden here but there was still no trace of him. The boys from the team were already in the court discussing something with their couch. I tapped my legs fast looking around. My eyes were tearing up with each passing moment with nervousness taking the worst of me.

The trees moved along with wind and there was a loud thundering. I looked up at the sky as tears left through the edge of my eyes. It's just getting worse with me. I don't want to stay in this town anymore. I'm scared! I feel like I'm getting crazy. The nightmares which I thought stopped are occurring again and again. Everything is messed up. I can't take it. I don't have the strength to fight anymore. I have had enough and I can't face any more. It is breaking me from within even when I am not letting it show.

"Faith," I finally managed to hear the voice I wanted to hear ever since morning. I got up and turned around. My face was already messed up with tears but I didn't care. Aiden looked worried which wasn't a surprise looking at my messy state.

I ran and hugged him tight without uttering even a single word. He held me tight by putting his arms around my body wrapping it safely and securely as I shaded a few tears on his chest and shoulder. I was shaking badly as sobs left my mouth one after the other. I wanted to control my emotions but I just couldn't. I felt vulnerable and I didn't want to show anyone else this side of mine but him. Aiden stayed quiet the whole time I was emptying myself. My emotions which I kept holding back by putting the brave face. He held my head with one hand while another one rested on my waist.

I sniffed moving back and looking up at him. His eyes held concern and care as he looked down at me. There were so many emotions flashing through his eyes but he kept it to himself. I gently moved his hand from my head to my cheek and wiped the tears away.

"Tell me," he said with his voice as low just for me to hear. I moved my gaze to the ground and wiped my face away. I looked around but the crowd was already gone with the sudden climate change. The clouds roared again making me jerk a bit. I moved my gaze back to meet with Aiden whose gaze didn't even once leave me.

"I saw..." I started with a shaky voice and a fear to lose myself again, "I am getting the nightmares again. From the past. It..."

"It feels so real, Aid..." I was saying when a sob left my mouth. I covered it and looked down at the ground between us. Aiden pulled me closer yet again.

"I just can't take it anymore," I said shaking my head from side to side. Aiden stayed quiet but his grip on me was assuring.

"It's hard. Harder than I thought. Elijah, Tyler, Wittnakar, Evans. I..." I said again, "We can't cope with them," I looked up at him again.

"I'm scared, Aiden," I said as some fresh tears flowed through my eyes, "I'm so scared."

"It's okay. It's gonna be fine," Aiden said and wrapped me into a hug. I moved away breaking the hug and looked at him with a frown. He looked confused for a moment.

"I can't lose you‌. You keep saying that thing and pushing yourself into that danger. I can't take it. I won't forgive myself if anything happens to you," I said hurriedly shaking my head again. I mean it. The first time he got along with Tyler and got involved in the dangerous maze.

He fought with those fighters who were experienced at these things. He got hurt but kept it to himself. He was hurting in silence and I made myself doubt him by hearing nonsense from just anyone. I didn't trust him enough. There was no one beside him. I left him all alone with his problems when he always kept staying by my side trying to pull me out of this dangerous maze. But I still refused to come out just yet and kept going deeper inside it not knowing the consequences, pulling him with me by his holding his same hand which he offered to help me. I made it worse for everyone by digging into deeper.

I unsee his wounds when they were clearly visible to me. I saw them many times but not once asked him about it. I am so selfish. I always have been. I wanted him for myself but I never thought the other way round.

"Nothing is going to happen to me. Okay?" He said cupping my face and making me look up at him. He wiped my fresh tears with his thumbs.

"Since when you started having those nightmares about your mother?" He asked getting what I was saying without me saying much about it.

"Since a few days but today it just felt too real," I said genuinely with a sniff.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked sounding a little hurt and frustrated. I shook my head again.

"I didn't want you to worry. You were already going through a lot and then I didn't want to add to those worries," I said and that was true. He has been through every kind of shit lately. His family problems, his own problems with Tyler, he took the blame on himself for hitting Elijah and what not. Evans seems to be after me him as well. The addition to his problems thanks to me.

"Faith, you don't make me worried by telling those things but you make me worried by keeping away those things," he said and I kept staring into his ocean blue eyes, "Why don't you understand this?"

"I told you not to hide anything from me," He said again with concern.

"I know. I'm sorry," I said nodding at him, "I just..."

"I'm sorry," I said genuinely this time.

"Promise me that you won't suffer alone again," Aiden asked as his hands travelled down and held my hands.

"I promise," I said with a silent smile. He smiled back at me little nodding his head.

"And I promise to make everything okay," he said again and wiped my cheeks one more time.

"But..." I was saying when he cut me off.

"Don't worry. I will be fine," He said assuring with his eyes.

"Don't cry now. We already missed the first lecture. Get your face right so you won't stand out in the second period," he said with a chuckle. I smiled with a nod.

"You just keep on thinking too much," he said and turned around holding my hand as he pulled me along. I walked two-step but stopped and pulled him back with a force.

"Aiden," I said as he looked around with confusion.

"Yeah?" He asked raising his eyebrows. His face was questioning. I took a deep breath looking down at the ground. I made a determination and looked at into his questioning eyes.

"I never said this before but thank you for just being you and staying with me throughout everything. For making me feel okay even when you were suffering and for thinking about me before yourself every time," I said showing him the genuineness in me. I wanted him to believe me this time. He looked taken aback with my sudden confession.

"Faith, I did it..." He was saying but I was fast enough to cut him off. I shook my head before starting off again.

"And I am sorry for questioning your feelings for me. Not openly but in my own mind. I thought I knew you better but I think I still have a long way to go till I reach there," I said letting out a sad laugh towards the end. Aiden held a small smile by now. I raised my eyebrows at him.

"You are making me emotional now," he said as I chuckled and hit lightly on his chest.

"I'm glad that at least I can make you feel those emotions which you keep pushing away," I said eyeing him. He let out a genuine chuckle as I got serious all over again.

"I don't know if it's the right thing to say now but I love you," I said letting out everything inside me at once and eyeing his every movement and emotion carefully. He was shocked by sudden confession but got normal as soon as I continued ahead, "And I promise to be with you through everything."

I smiled gently and tiptoed on my feet to peck on his cheek. Aiden smiled a little looking down.

"Faith, I..." He was stammering, "I..." I let out a laugh looking at his awkwardness.

"It's okay. Don't try hard. I'm not running away anywhere," I said making him chuckle one more time.

He looked down at me with so many emotions as I refused to move my gaze away from him either but the loud ringing of the bell broke our eye-lock making me frown deeper. Aiden shook his head with a wide smirk getting where I wanted to take this.

I narrowed down my eyes and hit him hard making him laugh again. Regardless, he held me tight and gave a quick peck on my lips making me blush as he pulled me away with him inside the building.

************

I climbed the stairs of my house hurried to get inside before this heavy rain could drench me away. I looked back up in the sky at the dark clouds and let out a sigh. I think I haven't seen the sun in a pretty long time. I wiped my face and turned around but not before moving my gaze through the woods. They still freak me out and that one thing won't change ever. The thoughts about yesterday night grabbed my mind. I shivered unknowingly. I didn't tell Emily and Edmund about anything but I had this thought of calling Emily for a sleepover tonight but I just rubbed that thought away as I honestly want to stop pulling people with me in this deep shit. I assured Aiden with great efforts that I will dial him if I feel anything no matter what time it will be. So right now, I am just on my own as I have purposely have pushed people away.

I was walking through the living room when I heard a noise behind coming from the door. Without wasting even a single moment I turned around and was greeted by non-other than officer Evans. He has a cryptic smile on his face as he approached me. 

"Hello, Ms Anderson. A pleasure to meet you again," Evans said through a smile.

"Same here," I said pressing a smile on my face, "Umm... Please have a seat." I gestured towards the couch. I was a little drenched but still could manage to sit for some time at least. I need to know why is he here before leaving him on his own. 

"Sure, thank you," he said taking a seat putting his cap beside him. He folded one of his leg above others and got comfortable.

"How can I help you?" I asked formally. He looked at me and smiled gently. No one looking at him would doubt him for doing any of this hazardous thing he has been doing. 

"Actually, I came to meet your Father but got to know at the gate that he went away at the factory. They advised me to sit here as he will be returning soon," Evans said. I nodded at him but didn't say anything.

"I hope you don't mind," he said again. I raised my eyebrows being in my own world.

"Hmm?" I asked to which he raised his eyebrows himself. I reminded myself as to what he said again and shook my head apologetically, "No... No, of course, not."

"Would you like to have tea? I will call someone and ask them to bring it here," I asked.

"Oh, thank you," He said with a smile again. I smiled at him and called one of the helpers asking them to bring one tea for Officer. The helper nodded at me and made his way inside the kitchen.

"Ms Anderson," I looked back at Evans when he called me. 

"Yes," I asked with a questioning face. He adjusted himself in his seat unfolding his legs and bending forward. 

"Can I ask you a few questions?" he asked and waited for my approval. I gave him a confused look. I have already told him everything before so what does he want to ask now? He saw me in Aiden's house so does he doubt my involvement? Anyway, I don't care if that's what will save Aiden from all the doubting eyes.

"About what?" I asked. He let out a sigh and rested back.

"Well, as you have seen the killer. I mean in your room and then at the window," he said, "I wanted to question you about the same." I threw a confused look at him.

"Didn't you already ask me everything?" I asked. He nodded his head gently.

"Of course, but just a few more if you don't mind," he asked again. He stared at me studying my expressions which eventually ended up making me uncomfortable. I shifted in my seat awkwardly moving my head around.

"Sure," I said finally fixing my gaze down.

"You can call your mother if you feel uncomfortable," he said looking at my awkwardness. I shook my head. Mom was going to attend some event today in the town so she is not at home but I won't tell him that.

"No, that's fine. I am good," I said.

"Can you one more time describe how did he look?" he asked looking at me curiously. Something about him was screaming that he was just checking what I know and if he is in any mess himself. He must be wanting to play safe. I don't know if he knows this or if he doubts about us knowing anything but I won't let my nervousness ruin everything. I have to put my confident face on.

"There was darkness around so I couldn't see properly but as I said he had a white eye and black teeth," I said throwing away the anxiety and fear from my voice. 

"Contrast," he said nodding his head just slightly as he fixed his dangerous gaze on the ground. It terrified me for some reasons.

"Sorry?" I asked narrowing my eyes not understanding what he said.

"Nothing," he said shaking his head and changing his emotions to look softer, "Did you see how he was dressed?"

"In a black hoodie or something similar," I said. He nodded his head in understanding.

"Anything else?" he asked to which I shook negatively.

"No, I don't think so," I said.

"Think carefully, Ms Anderson as you might be missing something huge," he said as his posture changed. He looked dangerous but I didn't allow the fear to come on my face. 

"Excuse me?" I asked raising my eyebrows. He didn't change his expressions. They were deep as his eyes went darker and he gritted his teeth.

"Are you by any chance pointing at anyone?" I asked raising my eyebrows. He let out a laugh which sent a shiver down my body. I was scared. I moved my hand keeping it on the handle of the chair I was sitting in and clenched it hard to contain my fear.

"Not exactly but we always have had our suspicion about Wright's," he said getting serious all of sudden. That's what I expected from you, Evans.

"Why them?" I asked my exact doubt. He had a small disgusting smile lingering on his face.

"Because you see we found some proof inside that house so I would advise you to not go there,"  he said completing his sentence with a smirk. 

"I trust them and I know they won't do anything this big," I said confidently, "I have known that family since a decade now."

"Well, sometimes you can't see a few things with open eyes," he said with a shrug but that smile stayed. Though he was acting all casual still I can see how much he was containing himself from breaking free. 

"What am I trying to say here is..." he said intertwining his hands together.

"They might be acting all along. Who knows?" he said with a challenging tone. He is getting on my nerves now. He should stop before I lose it.

"Why are you so persistent in showing them in a bad light?" I asked with raised eyebrows folding my hands over chest, "They are one of the few reputed people of this town." Evans let out a laugh yet again and shook his head slightly to contain his overflowing emotions. I just gave him a plain not so pleasant look when he looked at me again.

"Hmm..." he said putting a thoughtful face and adjusting in his seat, "I can ask you the same."

His tone was challenging just as the smirk which was screaming he is going to do something soon that will prove Wright's guilty. I don't know why but that though peeked into my mind making me reckless. I wanted to tell Aiden, Edmund and Emily the same.

"Why do you want to close your eyes and believe everything Aiden Wright has to say?" he asked taking me out of my scaring thoughts, "Have you ever thought that he might be just using you?"

I have known Aiden for over a decade now and he WON'T ever do that with me. I am definitely not going to doubt this culprit who is trying to put light on Wright's and trying desperately to hide under the same shadows. I won't let it happen. They shouldn't be proven guilty. It's wrong. So wrong! He is using his power in the wrong way and Sheriff need to know about the same.

"I guess you are done asking me questions so if you don't have anything else then I would like to leave," I said getting up with the same thoughts filling my brain.

"I have seen that boy with Tyler many times as his companion in his illegal business," he said again. Tyler and Elijah are now trying to put everything on Aiden so this jerk would be free? NO! Never! This thing, everyone, all of them are connected and they are trying to protect each other by putting the blame on just one family. Everything starts and ends with Wright's. But why them? What did they do?

Evans might have threatened Elijah to use his powers to destroy him if he opens his mouth against him. So Elijah or Tyler will put the blame on Aiden and his family to save themselves from Evans's wrath. Aiden has just added to this mess. God! What did you do, Aiden? You have clogged yourself into this maze and now we have to find a way out no matter what.

"Officer Evans, I guess you still didn't get this but I trust Aiden more than anyone else and I know he won't do anything without any purpose," I said. Evans smiled.

"So you know the purpose as to why he is there?" he asked raising his eyebrows making his attempt to take the truth out and to check my limits. The lady came with a tray in her hands and one cup of tea on it. I am glad she saved us from arguing further.

"Your tea is here. I guess I will take a leave now," I said putting a pressed smile and turned around to leave.

"I saw him with Elijah around Thomas's house the day he was killed," Evans said again making another attempt to evoke me against Aiden but he doesn't know anything. I am going to take away that mask from your face and show everyone what you truly are. I won't let anything happen to my Aiden.

"Enough. I still won't believe Aiden is in any way related to any of this shit," I said making my voice louder and losing my shit for once. Evans didn't let his expressions change and looked at me with amusement.

"Mr Evans," I broke my stare and looked at Dad standing at the door with a confused expression, "Is everything okay?" I walked towards him fuming.

"Dad, I don't believe why officer Evans is so persistent on blaming Aiden and his family," I said. Dad looked at Evans with surprise.

"I was just telling my doubts. I was just being considerate as Aiden Wright is close to your daughter," Evans said getting up from his seat.

"Well, Wright's are close to us and I believe Faith is right this time in trusting them," Dad said taking my and Aiden's side. I smirked at Evans who didn't pay much attention to me.

"As you say," he said and looked back at me, "Beside Ms Anderson, I am not just blaming him but as you can see the person knew your room and the structure of the house which very few people do."

Another futile attempt. Aiden is not the only one who comes into this house.

"There are house helpers, a few people from the factory and mom's few friends who have come here in the past. It's not just Aiden who is allowed inside the house. I hope you understand it," I echoed my thoughts. Evans nodded his head slightly.

"Sure, of course," he said.

"How can I help you?" Dad asked changing the topic or maybe coming back at the start.

"Oh, let's get to the study first," Dad said as Evans opened his mouth to speak.

"Sure," he said with a nod.

"Take care, Ms Anderson. You have been already attacked two times and I am afraid something bad might happen again," he said as his posture changed scarily. His eyes went dark again and I felt like he was threatening me. I couldn't say anything and kept looking inside those emotionless eyes.

"Don't' worry officer we are taking all the precautions," Dad said and moved Evans back from my sight as he himself stood in front. I was glad for that.

"I will be glad if that's the truth but I doubt," Evans said.

"Pardon?" Dad asked. Evans chuckled and shook his head negatively.

"Nothing, let's get to the business," Evans said again.

"Sure," Dad said and gestured him to go inside. The same lady came back to take the cup of tea for Evans and followed them to the study but something else grabbed my attention this time which I missed before because of my anxiety and fear. The suitcase Evans held. I haven't seen him around with one in the past. What might be inside it now? Why did he bring it? Should I take a look? But how?

A fear surpassed me and I ran upstairs to my room. I thought of calling Aiden right away but got to know he hasn't reached him yet. I can't tell Emily or Edmund as I don't want to drag them but this is important as well. What should I do? I will dial Aiden after some time. Till then, I can take shower. I nodded and walked inside the washroom by keeping my bag on the floor.

By the time I came out of the washroom the rain was gone and there was slight brightness around. I felt lighter suddenly. How nature changes our mood drastically in no time. It has the power to calm us down or to evoke us even more. I walked towards the window and took a deep breath rubbing my wet long hairs with a towel. I moved my gaze around and spotted Evans and Dad on the round in the garden. I looked closely around but the suitcase was nowhere so there are two possibilities. Either he kept it inside the house or in his car. I prayed for the first possibility to be true and started making a move. 

I threw the towel on the bed and walked outside of the room looking around carefully. Thankfully there was no one around. The living room was empty with no trace of the suitcase so the other room they went in was the study room. I walked towards the door and looked outside. They were engrossed in some conversation so I have a chance. I ran as fast as I can and reached the study in no time. I turned the doorknob around after looking in the hallway to see if I am getting caught but no helpers were around. I moved inside and closed the door behind.

I took a look around for one more time and walked towards the table. The suitcase was nowhere. Where did it go? I looked around when my eyes finally landed on the suitcase resting on the seat of the chair. I smiled but my heart was rapid. I moved around to reach the chair. I let out a deep breath and looked towards the door one time to take idea if someone is closer but I can't hear anything. I slowly opened the hook on the suitcase and opened it wide with bated breaths.

My eyes widened in horror as I looked inside. The file rested inside. I remember seeing it before. Those matched the ones kept in Elijah's den. I remember them clearly. The design and that colour it's all the same. Did he bring them so he could give them to Elijah on his way back? Is he planning to attack me again? Is that why he is here so he could take a look around? I shook my head slightly and took it out as I opened it and turned around the pages rapidly. The note rested there with the schedule as to what Elijah or whatever it was for needs to do to kill. The whole set of instructions for the killer and where can he find the weapons and necessary stuff. So they communicate like this? I couldn't think straight my breathing became abnormal as sweat was forming on the forehead. I felt like someone was choking me. I looked down at the file again to see that smiling face beside which was written, Albert. That says it all.

His next victim is going to be Mr Albert Wright.

_______________________________________