I took my math notebook from the locker and closed it behind. I looked at the clock hanging on the wall in front of me. There were just 10 minutes left for the first lecture and there is no news of Emily or Edmund. Aiden went straight for his football practice. I couldn't meet him but that's what he told me yesterday over the phone.

The marks on my face were healing for good but I got unwanted stares in the hallway making me conscious about myself. I thought it's better if I just go and sit in the classroom rather than exposing myself to the entire school and that too alone. The rain was at halt today making it the consecutive third day with its absence. But the weather was cloudy. The wind made it's the appearance in between making it a little pleasant.

I chose my favourite spot close to the window and in the middle of the classroom keeping a spot for Emily beside me and Edmund at front. I am just praying Rose would sit with her best friend as always keeping the seat next to Edmund empty as I want to talk to him about Aiden.

"Hola," Emily shouted in my ear making me deaf. I jerked hard as I didn't spot her coming because I was wandering in my own thoughts.

I gave her an irritated look as she started laughing looking at my expressions. Edmund followed her taking a seat in front of me.

"Good morning, Faith," he said smiling and looking back at me, "How are you feeling?"

"Good morning, Ed. I'm feeling much better today," I said giving him my full smile. He nodded at me.

"Aww, you are looking so cute," Emily said giving me a dreamy look to which I just rolled my eyes as she played with my both braids. I threw an angry glare at her.

"Shut up, Emily," I said showing irritation but when has it bothered her. She kept on annoying me.

"Alright people, just hear me out before Mr Smith comes..." I said clapping to grab their attention. They both looked at me. Edmund adjusted in his head to get a clear look of me. The worried expressions on his face said that he is suspecting something.

"Are you continuing your research?" Emily asked without letting me speak ahead. I didn't miss the slight tint of worry on her face but she didn't let it show.

"God no. It's about Aiden," I said as she gave me an 'o' expression. I saw Edmund adjusting again to get a full view of me. He was giving me his full attention now.

"Aiden, where is he?" We looked to the side to see the most annoying face. I hope my day won't get ruined because of it. We three exchanged a look. Edmund's posture toughed while Emily gave him a grand ignore.

Actually, it's not just us who hate him but I am pretty sure there are tons of other people because of his constant negative remarks making fun of people and arrogant attitude who shouts how highly he thinks of himself. I just hate his whole appearance.

"Hi, Noah, how have you been?" I still put a formal smile so at least I won't look rude. I don't want to be in his category besides, he hasn't done anything till now to piss me off. He looked at me with a dramatic face to show how concern he is.

"I'm good, Faith. How have you been? You made me worry with all the news," he said and I had an urge to roll the eyes but I didn't. I heard Emily let out a loud laugh making him offend. Edmund shook his head and took out his notebook.

"Don't worry, dork. We are here with her," Emily said still smiling like someone cracked some joke.

"Let me know if you need anything. I will be happy to help," he said again ignoring Emily. He was tasting my patience by now but I didn't let it show as I gave him a fake smile making it way too obvious as to I have no intentions of taking forward this conversation.

"Sure. Thank you," I said and sat straight looking at Edmund before. That jerk still didn't go away and instead made an attempt to seat right next to Edmund. How the hell am I suppose to tell them my plan now? I have to wait till this lecture gets over if Rose doesn't come to Edmund's side else the whole day will be wasted as Aiden will join us after the second lecture.

"Umm... The seat is reserved," Edmund said refusing to move his bag besides. I gave him a proud smile.

"For whom? Your girlfriend is sitting there," Noah arrogantly laughed pointing at Rose as if we aren't aware of that fact. Stupid idiot.

"I don't think I need to tell you anything," Edmund said with the same tone as Noah and giving him a glare. Noah looked taken aback as he took a step forward with the look on his face not so pleasant.

"You don't own the seats here, Harris," he said bending down and keeping his hands over the desk looking at Edmund with anger. Edmund gave him an arrogant laugh. Emily and I looked at him being proud.

"This one I do," Edmund said with gritted teeth. Noah was about to talk about as he opened his annoying mouth but I thought of meddling in between as Mr Smith will come at any moment and I don't want Edmund to be thrown out because of this jerk.

"Enough you both," I said gaining the attention from two boys.

"Noah. Just go and seat anywhere. There are plenty of empty seats," Emily said finally giving a glare to Noah who rolled his eyes. Emily gave him a look only if they could kill then Noah would have been lying on the ground by now.

"Whatever," he said moving back from us, "I guess Wright is wiping on you, Harris. Stay away from him," he said letting out a loud mocking laugh.

Edmund's knuckles whitened as he got up with anger. I held his wrist gesturing him to not do anything. He didn't move his gaze from Noah who had an ugly smile on his face making us even more irritated.

"Listen just keep quiet before I punch you," Edmund said through gritted teeth.

"Edmund, no," I said shaking my head at him. Edmund let out a sigh.

"Get lost. Will you?" I said giving him a tough glare.

"So you really are dating him?" he asked giving an impressive smile to me and gaining some attention from three-four people around.

"Yes. Now if you are done just leave," I said making my point clear to him. He shrugged his shoulders and made way to his seat. I and Edmund sat on our seats again.

"Gosh this boy," Emily said with irritation. I shook my head. Edmund still looked pissed but knowing him I am sure he will be back in no time.

"Anyway, so I was saying..." I said when Mr Smith made his way inside the class with his ever so bright smile. Uhh! This brat wasted my whole time. I just don't believe it. The front desk people greeted him showing how much love and respect they have for him and his subject. The rest didn't care. I let out a frustrated sigh to which Emily made sure to chuckle gaining a look from me.

"Good morning class," Mr Smith said cheerfully but my mood was gone. First I didn't get to complete what I was saying and then I don't like math that too so early in the day.

"I will be writing the assignment on the board copy it and try to solve. If any doubts I will be sitting right here," he said and started scratching on the board with chalk.

"God! I hate this class," I said with irritation.

"I love math," Emily said with a smile. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Sure you do," I said and looked before to see the board was already full with the problems I don't know the solution to. I stuck with my own problems and they want me to solve this mess? I can't and I need help.

"Edmund, please help me out these ones," I said bending forward to look at him and putting my best smile. Edmund tilted his head to get a look of me.

"What's new? You always say this," he said and I rolled my eyes again.

"Shut up and move, I am coming at the front," I said hitting him. He moved his bag to the other side making a seat for me beside him.

"Hey you can't ditch me," Emily said holding my hand. I let out a sigh and looked at Mr Smith who was done with writing down problems and took a seat in the chair opening some books and taking notes.

"Please, Emily. I will set you up with that boy. He is in Aiden's football team," I said assuring her. She did look convinced as she let go of me.

"Boy? What boy?" Edmund asked giving a confusing look to us. I moved quickly beside Edmund without anyone's notice.

"Mason," I said.

"Who?" He asked again.

"God, Edmund. It's Mason Roberts," Emily said getting irritated.

"The dramatic boy from drama class? Sure he will suit you," Edmund said with a chuckle gaining look from Emily. I smiled too but contained when I felt Emily's gaze on me.

"Shut up," she said dramatically, "Anyway, Faith. I would appreciate it and will excuse you for today." Edmund gave me a known look to which I smiled widely.

"Thank you, your majesty. I will make sure that I won't disappoint you," I said and got back to copying the problems from the board.

"Alright listen," I said in a low voice just for them to listen.

"I was at Aiden's place a day back and..." I started carefully looking around and then at Mr Smith who was so engrossed in his book.

"He thinks Tyler's dad is the main culprit and that someone is helping him out," I said. Edmund and Emily looked shocked and surprised as they exchanged one look and then looked back at me again.

"What? Why?" Edmund asked giving him all attention to me.

"Remember him telling us that he saw someone with his dad?" I asked as they both nodded at me.

"It was Davis? What are they up to?" Emily said in a voice very low. I shook my head. Edmund was in his deep thoughts.

"Anyway, he is going to that fight club or something today and we need to see what he does exactly," I said. They both nodded absent-mindedly.

"True. We can't leave him on his own anymore when Tyler is exposed now," Edmund said.

"Exactly!" Emily said agreeing with Edmund and I was glad I am not the only who thinks this way.

"But how are we suppose to go there?" Emily asked. I gave her a confused look.

"I mean your dad?" she said correcting herself again. I let out a sigh and shook my head again.

"I have told them that I will be going along with you. Don't worry," I said. Though I feel bad to put them in that spot I can't leave Aiden alone after knowing everything now. I know I have been confusing about my feelings about this whole incident but I just don't know what to do and what to not. How to handle everything. I want to unravel the mystery but I am scared too. Anyway, let's do this if not solving the main mystery. Aiden handled the whole situation very well in Mrs Wittnakar's house and I don't have any doubt as we need him.

"Okay then," Emily said. Edmund nodded in agreement.

I hurriedly copied everything in my notebook. Edmund didn't let me copy down anything from his notebook but just gave me hints in between when I got stuck with finding the solutions. That helped me in a big way and I actually felt confident about Math. He has promised to be a tutor to me in this subject so I won't fail. I just need to show some dedication and I will be good at this. Yup, I can definitely do this.

The lecture surprisingly got over quicker than expected because of the assignment and I couldn't have been happier. I wish if Mr Smith would give these kinds of assignments every day. I will master math then. Rose joined us after the lecture. Emily went her way to her drama class while I followed Edmund and Rose and their gushiness. I was surprised to see Aiden waiting for us in the hallway. He said football practice got cancelled in the middle because of the unexpected rain happening. For the first time in days, I was happy that it was raining heavily by now. And for the first time since ages, Aiden was attending some lecture with us.

Aiden and Edmund got settled at the back of the class with their few other friends. I got settled beside Rose somewhere with her friends. I honestly have no friends besides the four so I just have to get settled with this. I am glad Emily is just like me so that's how we get along more and don't need anyone else with us. I wish she attended all of the classes with me. But I am no close to drama. I already have enough going with me in reality that I don't want anything more.

The lunch break had me annoyed the most with the large crowd breaking in as no one could go out with heavy rain outside so they thought of barging into canteen forming long queues for food. I skipped that part obviously as I was angry and irritated for god knows what reason. I hate crowded places and being around with many people so maybe that. Aiden and Emily managed to bring me fish and chips making me happy and hungry all of sudden. Emily accidentally tried to disclose our plan after school, getting glares from me and Edmund. Thankfully Aiden was talking with Rose over something that he wasn't paying attention to us. Emily bit her tongue when the realization hit her and changed the topic immediately, the art she masters.

The surprise we got here was that we were joined by none other than Mason Roberts himself as he said Aiden invited him for the lunch and being a good boy that he was, he listened to his captain here unaware of his real intentions. I raised my eyebrows at Aiden who just shrugged it off. Emily might have bickered this in front of him or Edmund could have told him in the second lecture but whatever the reason might be I adore this creature just too much. The empty seat between Edmund and Emily was filled by Mason and then started the never-ending conversation between the two like they know each other since ages.

Mason looked good with his behaviour and the way he talked at least. Aiden wouldn't have invited him for lunch if he was not good in the first place. Mason was neatly dressed up in the school uniform. His black hairs were messy considering he had football practice in the morning along with Aiden. I don't know much about him yet but overall he looked sweet and nothing about him made me question about anything. I jerked at my place when Rose let out a scream. Later I got to know that it was for her best friend. She went running to meet her friends who made a late appearance in the canteen. I shook my head and moved my gaze to Aiden who kept looking out at the rain being in his own thoughts.

"What's the matter? Did anything happen?" I asked when Edmund moved to the side of Aiden keeping the seat between him and Mason empty. I moved a little aside too from Emily.

"Nothing much," Aiden said moving his gaze to me. I let out a sigh.

"Who told you about Mason?" I asked lowering my voice from normal. Aiden moved his gaze to Edmund who looked away and around but at me.

"That dude," Aiden said. I shook my head with disappointment. I guess everything has gone back to normal between them as the data is being transferred with this speed.

"I didn't think you will bring him here," Edmund said in his defence as if Aiden betrayed him. Aiden rolled his eyes.

"Are you two gossip queens?" I asked with raised brows, "The news got transferred so faster than any existing modes out there."

"Well..." Edmund was saying something but Aiden cut him.

"I met him outside before coming here so asked if he could join," Aiden said with a shrug.

"He looked flattered as he got an invitation from the captain himself," Edmund said with a slight smirk. I saw Aiden rolled his eyes as a small smile formed on my lips.

"Ways to stay on captain's good side," I said containing my laughter which could come out as loud making Emily bug me with what happened and I can't tell considering Mason is still here. Edmund laughed out while Aiden shook his head.

"What are you doing after school?" Edmund asked coming to the main thing after we were done with bugging Aiden, "I was thinking of going to gaming station."

"I am a bit busy and I am pretty sure you all will be too," Aiden said moving his gaze from me to Edmund. Edmund and I exchanged a look which said it all. He might know about our plan but how.

"Us? With what?" Edmund asked acting innocent. Aiden kept staring at him for a good two minutes before speaking again.

"I don't know but maybe trying to spy on me?" he said keeping his glare firm on me. I looked at Edmund gritting my teeth and narrowing my eyes. Edmund threw a terrifying look at me.

"I didn't say anything about it. I swear," he said a little loudly gaining attention from Emily and Mason who were clueless about everything. I gave them a small smile and asked Emily to continue with what she was doing and she thankfully got my indication as she nodded at me and tried to divert Mason from us.

"Faith, I know you too well. I knew right at the moment you looked at my schedule the other day as to what you will be doing next," Aiden said after some moments were passed in silence. I let out a sigh and looked at Edmund again.

"It's not safe for any of you to go there so stay out of it," Aiden said in a low voice bending forward so he is audible to both of us. Edmund shook his head.

"We won't and we have determined. If you are stubborn then we are too," he said. I smiled and nodded my head in agreement.

"We are in this together," I said. Aiden let out a sigh looking at his two stubborn friends with hopelessness.

"I should get going, Aiden. See you tomorrow on the court," Mason said getting up with his wide smile. Aiden nodded at him without any expressions. That's how this jerk behaves with the people outside his circle.

"Sure," he said. Mason said his byes to Emily making us raise our eyebrows in questioning. He then waved formally at me and Edmund as he vanished in the crowd.

"Who was it to tell this to Aiden?" Emily looked back at us with a glare. I shook my head as immediately before she harms me in any way.

"Edmund not me," I said pointing out at Edmund who was taken aback. He tried to say a few words in his defence but got stuck.

"I love you, Edmund and I love you, even more, Aiden," Emily declared with her voice so loud. I threw a questioning look at my drama queen.

"And I am not going to leave you in this mess alone ever," she said getting up and running towards Aiden to hug him. Aiden looked even more hopeless. I and Edmund let out a laugh. Aiden sure has a task to handle the bunch of crazy yet stubborn kids who love him a lot.

"God, you people just make it tough for me," Aiden said as Emily got settled between him and Edmund.

"It's not safe where I am going," Aiden tried to explain us but we just rolled our eyes and showed our disinterest.

"That's why we should stick together," Edmund said. I and Emily nodded at him. Aiden closed his eyes with pure annoyance but he didn't try to fight anymore because he knew it's impossible to make us understand.

"Fine, just meet me at the gate around 4," he said as we all got up from the seat hearing the bell ring.

"Okay," I said and threw my hand in Emily's arm making our way to the next lecture for the day.

***********

We stood outside Tyler's club. The rain was still going heavy. I held the umbrella tight sharing it with Emily as we stood a little far away in the parking closer to the shed of one closed shop of wine. I was holding my breath as the encounter at Mrs Wittnakar filled my mind. I was anxious but I didn't let it show. Edmund looked terrified with the idea of getting inside but he wasn't saying anything about it. Whereas Emily looked just fine. Aiden had those same plain expressions on his face which didn't let anyone see the real emotions on his face.

He looked at me as he sensed my gaze on his face. I wanted to smile and assure him at least that I am fine but I failed. I couldn't change my expressions. I might even get a panic attack if I keep thinking about everything. Aiden didn't say anything for some time as he studied my face.

"We should go back," Aiden said. Edmund and Emily gave us a confused look. A frown formed on my face. I honestly don't know what is the use of going inside but I still want to go ahead as there is a little hope that we might get some clue which will lead us to something bigger maybe.

"No," I said with crooked eyebrows.

"What do you want to do here anyway?" Aiden asked the obvious question and I had no answer to it as I don't know. I stayed quiet moving my gaze away at the front to bouncers who were standing the door of the club.

"You can't just go and ask Tyler why he was at Wittnakar's house. He won't tell you anything," Aiden said again making my frown deeper. I know that very well! But I don't want to back out. the stubborn girl in me won't let me no matter how risky it is.

"I know he won't but..." I said and stopped thinking for some reason to convince Aiden. Edmund and Emily stood beside us without saying anything. Because we all know what Aiden was saying was right. We have no reason at all to go inside.

"I guess I can meet his father here maybe?" I said out of nowhere as that's the best I could come up with. But it's good for us if we recognize him. That will just get us to two prime suspects. Elijah Davis and Wittanakar.

"And do what?" Aiden asked with slight annoyance. I don't know again!

"I just want to see so I can compare the appearance and we can be sure," I said nodding my head. Aiden closed his eyes briefly to contain himself so he won't take out on me. He then looked back.

"You said you will back off," he said again.

"But you aren't," I said with irritation. Aiden let out a sigh.

"Because my family is at stake, Faith. I told you that I can't just sit there and see them meeting the same fate," He said. The look on his face broke something inside me. My hand unknowing held his. I saw Edmund put his hand on Aiden's shoulder as well.

"And we can't let you go on your own. So if you are going in then we all are," Edmund said. I smiled hearing him and nodded in agreement. So did Emily.

"Fine but I don't know if Elijah will be there. He doesn't show up here much that's why I keep wasting so much time," Aiden said shaking his head with irritation.

"Tell us about your progress. You already know about our stupid plans," I said with frown making Edmund and Emily chuckle slightly. Aiden shook his head with a look.

"There is no progress. I started this thing when George Doppler got murdered. I didn't tell anything purposely as I didn't want any of you in danger because of me. But then Faith started having delusions about the killer..." he said and I cut him off. I had a big frown by now hearing him.

"Those weren't delusions you know he broke into my house," I said defending myself. He nodded.

"I am talking about before that inside the woods. There was no one," he said.

"You can't be sure about it," I said with annoyance. Aiden let out a sigh. I did see someone lurking in the woods. I felt someone coming after me. How can he say that I was delusional? I definitely wasn't having any hallucinations.

"Okay, just forget it..." Aiden said dropping the topic. I looked ahead again with the frown still on but didn't let go of his hand.

"But yes I knew before that there isn't any psycho returning to this town. The day after George's murder this Elijah showed up in front of dad looking terrible. He was scared as shit. And there could be only one reason for it. That he has done something which he hasn't before. The only thing that stroke my mind was murder as it was still new and on my mind. Because he might have had a criminal history but he hasn't killed anyone yet. I couldn't get to hear their entire conversation but he said that he fears his life because he has done something terrible to someone. He wanted to know laws which could protect him," Aiden started letting out everything as we gave all the attention to him. Carefully listening.

"Dad kept on asking what he did but he just didn't say anything and kept on ranting that he wants to at least protect his son and that he doesn't want anything bad happen to him because of his wrongdoings," Aiden said again. He stopped for a brief moment as his eyes wandered in the surroundings. My grip on his hand just tightened.

"I followed him that night and saw him meeting Wittnakar. They exchanged something. She was equally terrified," he said again with the shake of his head but kept his gaze wandering to check if anyone is near or listening. He has always been responsible and alert unlike the rest of us.

"I had my doubts about them being associated with murder. And I knew that Wittnakar sent Elijah to dad though I don't know why because she already knows the laws so there was basically no need for it," he said again.

"They could have easily gotten away with anything. But the very next day Evans broke into the house along with..." Aiden said and stopped for a brief moment deciding whether to say it or not. His eyes moved to Emily involuntarily and I knew why he stopped. Her dad! But he finally decided to go ahead after letting out a sigh.

"Along with Mr Moore and they claimed to have found something suspicious in dad's study. I just got to know that they found a piece of that rope or whatever it was used to kill him by wrapping around the neck. Ever since then it has become hell for us. Though no one let it show we know. Dylan was going to come here but dad asked him to stay at Oxford so at least nothing will be ruined for him," Aiden said with the shake of his head. He never let show how he is feeling no matter how much I wanted him to share it with me or even Edmund and Emily. The rest of us are transparent but he has so much inside him. He thinks about others but he needs to emotionally trust us as well so we can be there for him just like how he is always there for us.

"I just didn't know what to do so I befriended Tyler in a hope to find something here about Elijah but..." he stopped trying to contain himself again. It was hard to see him broken like that. I felt my eyes tearing up a bit looking at him like that but I blinked away those tears.

"But I got caught up in this bloody game they are playing. They dragged me into these stupid fights of them. They used me for their own purpose. They bet and gamble and I just watch. Evans and Mr Moore might be even doubting me as they have basically came here and saw me with Tyler and his friends. That just made them doubt us even more," he finished shaking his head slightly.

"I told you numerous times for not to be reckless, Faith but... I might have done that mistake myself. Now I am stuck here and I don't see a way out," he said again looking broken as he stared down at the ground. I felt so bad looking Aiden in this state.

"We will find a way out," I said holding his hand tighter and giving him a smile. Aiden looked at me with gratitude in his eyes as he smiled back gently.

"That's why he keeps on asking as to why Aiden isn't there. When he asked the last time if Aiden is busy again with that creepy smile," Edmund said. I looked at Emily who was in her own thoughts.

"Sorry, Emily..." Edmund got that as well as he corrected himself immediately so Emily won't feel bad. But she cut him off shaking her head a little.

"No that's fine. Dad should have done his research. How can he point out at Wright's just based on stupid things? There can be ropes in every household for some purpose or the other," she said and I could feel the irritation.

"He is not at fault. Elijah at first pushed us into this and then I made it even messier," Aiden said shaking his head.

"You just wanted to help," I said assuring him. He shook his head again.

"Yes but I couldn't till now," he said.

"It's okay. We will get out of this mess together. We will prove to them who the main culprit is," Emily said with a smile. I smiled along with Edmund. Aiden stayed still for some time.

"Besides this..." he said again. We eyed his again anticipating what he will be saying next.

"I know someone else is helping them as they basically were freaking out so there must be that third person who holds the power over them," he said making us think.

"He or she might be knowing their weakness or something," Aiden said again.

"I understand why Elijah but Wittnakar?" I asked, "Why her? That's what I don't get."

"She has always been sweet and associated with murder?" I said again. None of those two people is in any way connected to each other then why and how?

"If Elijah is doing this then what about number 9? Why did he leave that?" Edmund asked. The questions are many but the answers are too less.

"I don't know," Aiden said again.

"I guess Jake knows something is going as he is the one who cleaned up the blood in Wittnakar's house that day," Aiden said making us widen our eyes. Jake knows it too?

"How did he get in before she came?" Emily asked, "Edmund called you at the same time she left for the house."

"She let him in. He cleared the mess along with her. Tried to clean up most of the pieces of evidence which might have lead them to Tyler and then she called the cops. She obviously left the footprints as it might have lead everyone to question her. There was basically raining outside so footprints were must," Aiden said again. This is just getting messier with each encounter with truth. The information which I think would get us closer to the main killer is actually getting me away from it.

"How did you know?"Edmund asked.

"I heard them," Aiden said.

"This is messier than we thought at first," Emily echoed my exact thoughts.

"This is no good for us but we have to go ahead," I said as Emily and Edmund nodded.

"Yes we should," Edmund said.

"But one good thing happened is that... I don't have to fight like before though I haven't gotten out of it completely," Aiden said with a slight sad chuckle.

"You used to fight? Like in that court opposite those fighters?" Edmund asked with wide eyes. I think I have the same shocked expressions as him and Emily. I remembered the scars on his chest, stomach and back. Some on his face sometimes but I never paid much attention.

"He dragged me in. Besides, how do you think I might have gotten closer to Tyler Davis?" Aiden asked letting out a small laugh.

"Elijah let you?" I asked. Aiden shook his head.

"I gave him some shitty reasons like I'm suffering because of what my family is going through and that I wanted to let out everything," he said. That makes sense. Besides, he will do anything to widen his illegal business to grab more eyeballs.

"So the scars on your body are from those matches?" I asked the obvious and he nodded at me.

"Yes," Aiden said as his eyes got harder. His knuckles turned white. And his jaw got gritted.

"Finally you called your friends here, Wright," We looked to the front to see Jake making his way toward us with raincoat covering him. I was glad that because of the hoodie and rain his face was kind of hidden making his ugly smile hide.

"Yes, I had to," Aiden said sounding calm as ever.

"We were keen on meeting Tyler," Edmund continued to make us surprised with his bold moves. We all knew he is putting a brave act for us and it was commendable.

"Who said you can get in, Harris?" Jake asked. Aiden moved forward towards him.

"You don't own the club, Jake. Mind your own business and ask Tyler to let us in," he said through gritted teeth and giving a glare to Jake. He was unaffected as he reflected the look.

"Else I am not doing any match today. His money will be wasted," Aiden said with a shrug challenging them as if he holds the upper hand which he might be. Tyler won't let just anyone get in.

"You said you are not doing fights?" I asked getting worried for him. Aiden looked at me with his eyes as deep.

"How can your girl can see you getting beaten?" Jake asked letting out a laugh. Aiden looked at him again making his eyes hard.

"Tyler?" he asked raising his eyebrows. Jake gave him a glare. His look said he wanted to beat Aiden but he can't as he is basically a puppet of Tyler and won't do anything without his concern.

He turned in his position and rushed inside. We kept looking at his treating back until he was out of the view.

"Aiden..." Edmund grabbed our attention when he called Aiden. The same worry on my face reflected on his. Aiden was about to say something when we saw Jake coming out again.

"You have been called in, Wright. Along with kids," he said putting ugly smirk which disgusted me for some reasons.

Aiden shook his head and held my hand in his as we made our way inside the club. It was darker inside mainly because of the interior and then the cloudy weather outside adding to it.

The people were sitting around as we went farther inside. The room wasn't bigger but enough for a few people to gather around and cheer. The creepy gazes kept following us as we walked through them. Emily was holding my hand tight as Edmund moved beside her.

"Don't go lurking anywhere. Any of you. Am I clear?" Aiden said stopping at one spot where the crowd was little less and we could see the fighting ring.

"Yes but match?" I asked again.

"Don't worry about it," Aiden said shaking his head a little as his hand travelled through my cheek.

"Welcome to my club," Tyler showed up out of nowhere, "It's good to see more and more people coming inside." He said as his gaze stopped on me for a little longer than it was supposed to be. I felt uncomfortable and held Aiden's hand a little tighter. I wanted to punch Tyler the same way he did with me but I got frozen and anxious. I found myself trembling a little with the flashes of past encounter.

"This is Edmund and that Emily," Aiden said gaining his attention towards him. I felt him holding my hand tighter as well and I felt secure.

"I see," Tyler said smirking at both of them to my side.

"And Faith, I am sorry that I was hard on you but it was all of sudden. I hope you understand and don't take it personally," Tyler said showing his creepy smile which again took me back to Wittnakar's house. It sent creeps across me. His posture toughened as he made an attempt to come forward but didn't succeed as Aiden got in the way and stood between us. That didn't make much difference because the look on Tyler's face didn't change.

"Besides, if you open your mouth then I will let out your little secret. You know cops are after Wright anyway," he said in a challenging yet confident tone. He has something which might destroy us and that's how Aiden is here.

"Don't worry. I don't speak without proof," I said putting on my confident face so he won't take me lightly. I was trying hard to get all the strength inside me together and I hope I succeed. Tyler's posture toughened again.

"Tyler, none of us are going to say anything so you don't have to worry," Aiden said in a calming voice so situation doesn't get worse. Tyler let out a loud chuckle.

"I am more worried for you, Wright," He said putting a hand over Aiden's shoulder. Aiden gritted his jaw but stayed quiet. I hate it that Tyler was the one who did wrong and still he has the upper hand.

"So ready for the match? Don't let your friends get disappointed with you," he said again showing his smile. He licked his lower lips sending shivers throughout my body. It's similar to how that person did in my room.

The resemblance got me off guard and I took a step backwards. Aiden looked at me and so did Emily and Edmund who were quietly watching till now. Emily held my arm gesturing me if I am fine to which I nodded my head a little trying to stay together.

"I won't," Aiden said though his gaze was fixed on me. Tyler smirked again and looked at Jake who nodded at him and they walked away from us.

"What's wrong?" Aiden asked me. I shook my head a little.

"Nothing I guess I..." I was saying but stopped midway. He is already way too worried and I don't want to add to it. I will tell Emily and Edmund later when Aiden is gone, "Nothing. Don't worry."

I put a small smile on my face to assure him. Aiden let out a sigh.

"But Aiden, you said..." Edmund was saying when Aiden cut him.

"I know but it's Tyler, Ed. He knows he has everything in control. The people are helping him out. That's not all. He has seen me and Faith inside the house, not on the riverside like how we made everyone believe. Do you think he will stay shut?" Aiden asked and he is definitely right. So that was the main reason he didn't take Tyler's name when Mr Moore asked. Boy, how does he even think? I would have shouted on the top of my lungs to get back at Tyler.

"Just forget it. It's useless anyway. I don't know if Elijah will come but stay together. All of you, understood?" Aiden asked eyeing all of us as we all nodded like good kids and promised him to stay together and safe.

"Stay safe," I said to which Aiden nodded with a smile.

"I will be back," Aiden said and moved away from us leaving us alone. To be honest, his presence was soothing and comforting that now we feel exposed. The eyes were on us as the men and women around creepily smiled.

None of us moved from our place. We stayed together standing at one corner away from the crowd. We could see Tyler sitting somewhere closer to the fighting space along with Jake and a few other people who we don't recognize.

Edmund and Emily looked equally nervous as their stares wandered throughout the place looking for any kind of threat but there wasn't any. The light started getting dimmer as the spotlight moved to the fighting space. Aiden's opponent looked much stronger which made me fear. The heart rate started increasing as the anxiety filled inside me. I looked at Emily to my side when my heart skipped a beat. Someone stood at the other part of the room. The glass window stood in the middle separating this area from the other side area. I could see a dark shadow looking through the glass but it wasn't quite visible. I started to compare it with the one I saw in my room. The cheers in the background started blurring out as I started drifting away from my surrounding. The known fear grabbed me and I blankly started walking towards the shadow.

My mind screamed at me to stop as it is not good but I didn't listen to it. I wanted to make sure that he is the same person. I was trembling with fear, my breaths being uneven, I could feel my heart beating inside my body rapidly. The sweat started forming on my forehead as my palms became sweaty. I saw the shadow move as if it was looking in my direction. I wasn't wrong as I could feel his eyes following me as I took each progressive step in his direction. The shadow stayed to his ground luring me to come ahead. I was out of the circle by now. The cheers of the people faded even more with each step I took. I was closer to him by now. I took deep breaths without moving my gaze away from him. I took bated steps and jerked hard when I felt someone grabbing me. I was about to scream but Edmund covered my mouth. Emily followed him closely.

"God, Faith. You scared us," Edmund said with worry visible on his face, "How can you come here all alone?" I didn't say anything and was trying to register my surroundings. I was blank and didn't understand what I was doing anymore.

"I saw..." I said and looked around but the black shadow wasn't around anymore. It was gone, "Where did he go?" I said moving around searching for that black thing again.

"I am sure that I saw someone standing here," I said pointing towards the glass window.

"I need to find him," I looked back at Edmund and Emily who had confusion written all over their faces.

"Find who?" I jerked moving to the side to witness a man with build-up body coming closer to us. I am pretty sure he is the same one I was staring a few moments back. He had a fascinating smile playing on his lips. His brown eyes were shining curiously. He had a pipe in his hand while he wore a checks shirt and black jacket along with black pants. He had a round hat covering his head.

"Hmm?" I couldn't say anything but just kept staring at him.

"Sorry, we just..." Edmund said, "We should go back." He pulled me back by holding my arm tight. I didn't refuse but willingly went back along with him.

"Kids here?" The man asked again.

"We are with Aiden," Emily said putting a small smile. I don't know exactly who he is but I can't compare him with that thing in my room. Sure their bodies somewhat look similar but the creepy smile, those black teeth and that white eye are nowhere to be seen.

"Oh that boy is something else," he said with a chuckle looking around. I followed his gaze but the match was already over? Did I waste this much time?

"I make sure I don't miss his fights," he said looking back at me and took a smoke from the pipe leaving it in the air.

"Anyway, you guys shouldn't wander here," he said when we didn't say anything. Edmund was still holding me tight, "I don't think it will be good for you kids." He said and something flashed through his eyes.

I couldn't point out what it was but it creeped me out. His eyes went black all of sudden as he let out a laugh looking at us. The laugh! It resembles. It's the same laugh.

"Right, Ms Moore? What your dad might think?" The man moved his gaze to Emily. We were utterly confused by now. Does he know Emily? Before she could speak anything Aiden emerged from the side.

"Faith, Edmund..." he called grabbing our attention. We were relieved to see him finally. I could tell that by how Edmund's body eased up or how Emily let out a sigh of relief, "Why are you guys here?" Aiden asked letting his gaze wander on us. He had blood on his face and hands while his eye was swollen a bit.

"That's what I was asking them," The man in black said with a creepy smile. He is the one. He is the man from my room. Tyler came and stood near him.

"Hello, Mr Davis," Aiden said politely. Mr Davis? He is Elijah Davis. He is Tyler's dad. Now I know why Tyler's smile reminded me of that face. Now I know why Tyler creeped me out. He reminded me of his dad who tried to kill me. I was scared as shit. I couldn't think straight. Two of the people who attacked me were standing in front of me. I was shivering. Aiden was right. The white eye was just to distract me and the police. Edmund had his tight grip on me which was somewhat soothing but I was still scared as shit.

I wanted to get out of here and breath calmly. I wanted my heart to beat at normal speed but I felt like I could fall on the ground at any moment with my trembling legs. Elijah and Tyler moved their gazes to me with a cryptic smile playing on their lips.

"You played too well, Wright," Elijah Davis said finally breaking the haunting silence that filled the place between us making me see my biggest nightmare in front of my eyes alive as he started laughing loudly.

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