LOCKED SHADOWS

CHAPTER 007

WHISPERS IN THE DARK

The second morning in the lodge arrived with a pale, washed-out sun struggling to pierce the mist that clung stubbornly to the forest. Dew beaded on the windows, streaking the glass like tears. Daisy pressed her forehead to the cool pane, staring out into the endless green. Even in daylight, the trees looked foreboding, their shadows layered thick, as if hiding something that didn’t want to be seen.

She hadn’t slept well. Every time she closed her eyes, the faceless man returned. Each dream brought him closer. In the last one, she felt his breath against her ear, though when she woke, the room was empty.

By the time she joined the others in the dining hall, the group was already gathered around the long table. Moses sat at the head, cracking jokes, his booming laugh bouncing off the walls. Sugar lounged with her feet on the chair beside her, smirking at whatever Derek had whispered. Rebecca was buttering slices of bread with her usual calm precision, while Hannah sat quietly, stirring her tea without drinking.

Lucia waved Daisy over. Morning, sleepyhead. We were about to send a search party.

Daisy slid into the seat beside her, managing a faint smile. Did I miss anything?

Not really, Alex replied, flashing his easy grin. We’re just planning today. Pool, games, maybe exploring the grounds. Plenty to do.

Dave snorted, already halfway through his food. Exploring’s a waste of time. I’ll be at the pool.

Sugar leaned forward with a mischievous glint. You mean flexing in front of the pool mirrors?

Dave shot her a glare, but Sugar only laughed, unbothered.

Rebecca cleared her throat gently. We should be careful if we explore. The grounds are large, and it’s easy to get lost. Not everywhere is maintained. Her eyes flicked briefly to Moses, who ignored the comment, waving his fork dismissively.

It’s fine, Moses said. The lodge is safe. We’ve got everything we need here. Let’s enjoy it.

But Daisy noticed Hannah stiffen at those words. The girl lowered her gaze quickly, sipping her tea as if hiding something.

The group split up after breakfast. Alex and Moses led Dave and Derek outside toward the pool, their laughter echoing across the patio. Sugar tagged along, tossing playful jabs at Dave every few steps. Rebecca offered to help tidy up the dining hall, and Lucia volunteered too, leaving Daisy with Hannah by the window.

The silence between them stretched. Daisy finally broke it. You don’t talk much.

Hannah blinked, startled, then smiled faintly. I guess I don’t. She hesitated, eyes drifting toward the misty forest beyond the glass. Places like this… they make silence louder. Don’t you feel it?

Daisy nodded slowly. Yes. Her fingers tightened around her cup. Like it’s watching us.

Hannah’s lips pressed together, as though she wanted to say more, but she didn’t. Instead, she excused herself and slipped away, leaving Daisy with unease curling in her stomach.

That afternoon, the group gathered in the lounge for a round of games. Derek dealt cards with practiced speed, Sugar cracking jokes at every turn. Moses kept the energy high, his charisma magnetic, while Rebecca’s quiet presence kept the chaos balanced. Lucia laughed the loudest, leaning against Daisy, who forced herself to join in.

For a moment, Daisy almost forgot the dread. Almost.

But then, the power flickered.

The lamps dimmed, their glow shivering. The room fell into shadow for a heartbeat before the lights steadied again. Everyone froze, glancing at one another.

Old wiring, Moses said quickly, forcing a laugh. No big deal.

But Daisy’s skin prickled. In that brief moment of darkness, she could have sworn she saw a figure in the corner, a man, tall and faceless, standing perfectly still. When the light returned, the space was empty.

Her hand shook as she set her cards down. Did anyone else

See what? Derek cut in, eyebrow raised.

Daisy swallowed her words. Nothing. Never mind.

Lucia studied her for a moment, concern flickering in her eyes, but she didn’t press.

Night came swiftly, the mist swallowing the last of the daylight. The group lingered in the lounge, telling stories, laughing too loudly, filling the silence with noise. Yet the deeper the night grew, the heavier the atmosphere became, until every sound seemed amplified: the groan of the old wood, the hiss of the wind against the windows, the tick of the clock on the wall.

When the group finally dispersed to their rooms, Daisy lingered. She walked the empty hallway slowly, every creak beneath her feet making her chest tighten. At one point, she thought she heard whispers, soft, urgent voices, too distant to make out. She turned quickly, but the hall was empty.

In her room, she locked the door, though the gesture felt futile. She lay in bed staring at the ceiling, waiting for sleep to claim her. But when it did, the nightmare was waiting, patient as ever.

The faceless man stood at the end of the hall, dagger gleaming. He took one step, then another, his silence heavier than thunder. Daisy tried to run, but her legs refused to move. He reached her, the blade lifting

She jolted awake, heart hammering, breath ragged. The room was dark, but she wasn’t alone. She knew it. A shadow shifted by the window, too tall, too still to be her imagination.

Her voice trembled as she whispered, Who’s there?

No answer. Only silence.

And then, slowly, the figure melted into the dark, leaving Daisy trembling beneath her blanket, certain of one thing:

The lodge was beginning to wake.