LOCKED SHADOWS

CHAPTER 004

The Journey Begins

The morning of their departure arrived with a strange mix of excitement and unease. Daisy woke before dawn, her room cloaked in shadow, the air still and heavy. She lay in bed for a long moment, listening to the faint rustle of leaves outside her window. A cool breeze slipped through the cracks of the curtains, brushing against her skin, but it did little to soothe the nervous tension running through her veins.

Lucia had stayed over again, sprawled comfortably on the mattress on the floor, her breathing deep and even. She seemed at peace, but Daisy’s heart pounded erratically, as though it knew something she didn’t. Rising quietly, Daisy packed the last of her things into her bag, double checking everything: clothes, notebooks, toiletries, her laptop. The contest deadline still hovered at the back of her mind, an invisible weight pressing against her shoulders.

By the time Edith entered the room, Daisy was zipping up her bag. Her mother leaned against the doorframe, studying her with worried eyes. You didn’t sleep, Edith said softly.

Daisy shook her head. Couldn’t.

Edith crossed the room and adjusted the strap of her daughter’s bag. Promise me again. Promise me you’ll be careful.

I promise, Daisy whispered, though her voice wavered.

Edith embraced her tightly, as though she feared this might be the last time. I’ll be praying for you.

Moments later, the honk of a car horn broke the silence. Lucia stirred awake, groaning, then shot up quickly. They’re here already? she asked, rubbing her eyes.

Seems so, Daisy replied.

Together, they carried their bags outside, where Alex’s car waited at the curb. Alex was behind the wheel, grinning from ear to ear, his beard neatly trimmed and his eyes gleaming with excitement. Dave sat in the passenger seat, arms folded, already looking impatient.

Took you long enough, Dave said as they approached.

Good morning to you too, Lucia shot back, rolling her eyes. She shoved her bag into the trunk with a bit more force than necessary.

Daisy hesitated, glancing back at the house. Edith stood at the doorway, watching them. Their eyes met, and Edith lifted her hand in a slow wave, her face etched with silent worry. Daisy forced a smile and waved back before climbing into the car.

The engine roared to life, and soon the city streets rolled past them. The early morning air was cool, the sky a pale blue, tinged with streaks of orange as the sun began its climb. Traffic was light, and for a while, the drive carried a rare sense of calm.

Alex, ever the talker, filled the silence. This is it, guys. Our first trip together, away from everything. No parents, no school stress, just us and three days of freedom.

Freedom? Dave scoffed. I call it wasted training time.

Lucia groaned. You can’t survive without flexing, can you?

Dave smirked. Muscles don’t grow on their own.

Daisy leaned her head against the window, letting their banter wash over her. Outside, the city slowly gave way to quieter roads, lined with tall trees swaying in the morning breeze. She tried to lose herself in the view, but the unease in her chest refused to fade.

After about an hour, they stopped at a roadside eatery for breakfast. The small building smelled of fried yam and akara, and the chatter of early travelers filled the space. They sat together at a wooden table, sharing plates of food. Alex pulled out the lodge’s brochure, spreading it on the table for everyone to see.

"Look," he said excitedly, pointing at the pictures. Pool, games room, theater, it’s all there. Moses promised us the place would be quiet, almost like we’ll have it to ourselves.

Lucia scanned the brochure skeptically. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Daisy studied the pictures. The lodge looked beautiful modern architecture surrounded by greenery, a sparkling pool under open skies. Yet something about the images unsettled her. She couldn’t explain it, but the stillness in the photos felt unnatural, like the silence of her dreams.

Dave snorted. As long as there’s enough food and a place to work out, I’m fine.

Lucia leaned closer to Daisy and whispered, See? He’s predictable.

For the first time that day, Daisy laughed. It was a small laugh, quiet, but it felt good to release the tightness in her chest, even if only for a moment.

Back on the road, the journey grew longer. The smooth tarred roads eventually gave way to rougher terrain, and Alex had to slow the car as potholes and bumps jarred the vehicle. The trees grew denser on either side, forming tall walls of green that seemed to close in around them. Shadows lingered between the trunks, and the further they drove, the less of civilization remained.

Lucia leaned forward, frowning. Are you sure this is the right way?

Alex nodded confidently. Moses gave me clear directions. Besides, the GPS still works.

Daisy glanced at the screen. The blue dot blinked on a thin line cutting through what looked like endless forest. Her stomach tightened.

They passed through small villages, clusters of huts and shops where children waved as the car went by. The simplicity of life there felt like another world compared to their own, but Daisy couldn’t enjoy the sight. Her thoughts kept returning to Edith’s warning and the faceless figure from her dreams.

By late afternoon, the road stretched into silence. Few cars passed by now, and the forest pressed closer. The sun hung lower in the sky, casting long shadows that seemed to follow them. Alex hummed along to a tune on the radio, but his cheer only emphasized the growing tension in Daisy’s chest.

Finally, they reached a signpost: Silver Crest Lodge 2km Ahead. Relief swept over the group, though Daisy couldn’t shake the sense that the sign looked weathered, as though untouched for years.

Minutes later, the car rolled to a stop at the entrance of the lodge. A tall iron gate loomed before them, its black paint chipped, its frame half swallowed by creeping vines. The air felt different here, cooler, heavier, as though the forest itself held its breath.

Lucia shifted uneasily in her seat. This… doesn’t look like the pictures.

Dave raised an eyebrow. Maybe it’s just the entrance. Don’t judge too quickly.

Alex honked the horn, and after a moment, the gates creaked open. An elderly guard waved them through, his eyes unreadable, his expression blank.

As the car moved forward, Daisy gripped her seatbelt tightly. The lodge appeared ahead, its silhouette rising against the dimming sky. It was grand, yes, but in a way that felt cold, distant. The windows glinted like watchful eyes, and the silence that greeted them was too deep, too absolute.

Her heart pounded as she whispered, almost to herself, “What have we gotten ourselves into?”