2
Lark
T he street is veiled in darkness as I navigate my way home from work, every step echoing in the ominous silence of the night. Its been two weeks since I threw the velvet box, my stalkers twisted gift, out the window, and in that time, there have been no more haunting reminders of his sinister presence.
Yet, despite the absence of his macabre offerings, I cant shake the feeling that hes still out there, watching, waiting. The memory of his chilling voice on the phone, the threat that lingered in the air like a toxic cloud, still haunts me.
As I pass a particularly dimly lit alley, a figure lunges out at me, grabbing my arm with a vice-like grip. What do we have here? he sneers, tightening his grip on me.
Let go of me! I scream, my voice echoing off the walls of the alley, but my cries fall on deaf ears as he drags me further into the darkness. His grip is like iron as he throws me to the ground.
Nooooo, get off me. Panic surges through me as I struggle against his hold, the glint of a knife sending terror coursing through my veins.
My lip splits as I hit the pavement, a sharp burst of pain shooting through me as I cry out in agony. Im screaming as I try to move away from the cruel hands thats holding me down, and the putrid breath thats too close to my face. My attacker lets out a mirthless chuckle, though he doesnt let go. Instead he holds me tighter, telling me all the sick and depraved things he wants to do to my body.
Please let me go, I sob.
Tears blur my vision as I struggle harder, thrashing under the man who has climbed on top of me, pinning my arms down with his knees.
Suddenly, my attacker is gone and above me is my stalker. Shes mine, he growls at the attacker, his voice dripping with malice as he advances on the man he threw off me like he weighs nothing.
Without hesitating, I scurry away from the men, leaning against the wall at my back. Im trembling with fear and disbelief as the two figures engage in a violent and brutal struggle.
No matter how much I try, I cant make myself look away from the scene unfolding in front of me. So I watch in horrified fascination as my stalker unleashes a flurry of devastating blows, each strike precise and calculated. The attacker is no match for his skill and ferocity, and in mere moments, he cries out in pain and blood gushes from his shoulder where the knife he threatened me with is embedded.
My heart pounding in my chest as I tremble with fear and revulsion as my stalker kicks and punches the other man. Its so brutal, yet satisfying. I know the man was going to hurt me so I have no sympathy for him.
When the dust settles and the attacker lies dead, my stalker turns to face me, his dark Purge inspired mask a chilling sight in the darkness. He approaches me slowly, his movements deliberate and controlled as he inspects me with a predatory gaze. I shrink back against the wall, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I await my fate.
Reaching me, he stands still for a moment. Its long enough for me to realize I can see his eyes through the slits in the mask. Theyre dark, but not black. More like gray and stormy. Its like his eyes are showing me all his emotions while he sorts through them. Pain. Anger. Regret. Hurt. Determination. Or maybe thats just what I want him to feel.
To my surprise, he reaches out and wipes the blood from my split lip with his finger, his touch surprisingly gentle. I recoil instinctively, a shiver coursing through me as he brings his finger to his lips. He sticks his tongue out of the hole in the mask and licks away the blood. What. The. Fuck.
Disgust and intrigue war within me as I watch him, my mind reeling with a mixture of fear and fascination. Tearing my gaze away from the perverse way his tongue wraps around his finger like he wants to make sure he licks up all the blood, I notice the blood on his pants. Are you hurt? I ask, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
He chuckles darkly. Im the one who does the hurting, Lark he replies, his words sending a chill down my spine. How badly are you hurt?
I-Im not, I whisper. Thanks to you. The magnitude of my words hit me. My stalker saved me from my attacker. Thats all sorts of messed up on a level Im not even sure Im comprehending.
Not trusting my words, my stalker gently pulls me to my feet and makes me turn around so he can inspect me. When hes satisfied Im unharmed, he reaches out and brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch strangely tender.
Youll never be alone again, he murmurs, his voice a sinister whisper in the darkness. Ill always be watching.
W-who are you? I stammer.
My only answer is his dark laughter. Im just about to ask again when he moves his hand to the back of my head. What are you He slams his lips to mine, kissing me hard and brutal.
The taste of blood mingles with the taste of him as his tongue delves into my mouth. Im shaking, but I dont think its only from fear anymore. His kiss is like a riptide, one I cant escape, and I dont think I want to.
Pulling away he swipes his tongue across my lip. Behave, Little Bird. Dont call the police. Just go straight home.
But I
No, he says forcefully, interrupting me. Go straight home and lock the door after you. And with that, he disappears into the night, leaving me shaken and terrified, yet strangely captivated by the enigmatic figure who now looms over my life like a shadowy specter.
I run the rest of the way home, not stopping for anyone or anything. When I reach the front door, Im surprised to see it has been replaced with a sturdier door. Shit, I mumble as I dont have keys for this monstrosity.
In pure exasperation, I kick the door. As soon as I do, the light goes on, and a woman Ive never seen before walks towards me. Opening the door, she smiles. You must be Lark. Please, come in.
Unable to move, I just gape at her. Who are you? I demand, pinching the bridge of my nose. This night just went from fucked up to way, way, over the top on the weird scale.
Im Doris, she beams. Mr. Thompson hired me as the new night manager
Mr. Thompson? I ask.
She nods. Yes, Jack Thompson. Hes the buildings new manager. Im sorry you didnt get your key, but not all the tenants were home when we started the renovations.
Sure, I nod, half expecting her to yell gotcha and tell me Ive been kicked out.
Well, come on in, she prompts, and I follow her inside.
The entire lobby area looks well, like a lobby. Its been painted and theres a small desk and a chair in the corner. All that is a big change on its own, yet the biggest one is how clean it smells. Theres no lingering scent of urine or suspicious looking spots on the floor.
Here are your keys, Doris says, handing it to me. Now I should warn you. When you get to your room theres been a few changes. We fixed the window, you have a new door
You did what? I shriek, at the end of my tether, with everything thats happening. But why
She nods. Yeah, the new owner took possession early this morning and wanted to get started right away. He insisted we start with your floor.
I Trailing off, I bite the inside of my cheek. Im too damn exhausted to continue. I just want to get some sleep.
After saying goodnight to Doris, I walk up the stairs, and thanks to her heads up Im not even surprised when I see how different it all looks. The changes she spoke of are all prominent, in and outside my studio. Though its all for the better, I cant help feeling violated. Like I should have been given notice before someone entered my home.
I jump as my phone rings, and I quickly pull it out of my jacket pocket. Im a little disappointed that the number isnt blocked. A part of me hoped it was my stalker calling to check up on me.
Hello? I answer.
Hi, is this Lark Parker? a woman asks.
Speaking.
My name is Claire and Im calling from Infinity Solutions. Weve followed your work, and if youre interested, we would love to have you come in and interview for a position with us next week.
My legs buckle and I fall to my knees as I clutch the phone.
Lark, are you still there?
II yep. I mean, yes. Yes, Im here.
I apologize for calling you so late, but I hope that shows you how interested we are.
Clearing my throat, I whisper, Is this a prank call?
I can assure you its not, Claire laughs softly. The CEO, Ethan Drake, needs a new assistant, and so far, weve struck out with our candidates. Then tonight someone told us about you, and the exceptional work you do. So, as you can hear, were very eager.
This isnt happening. Its not. Im going to wake up at any moment, and when I do, Ill probably be back in that alley. Beaten, raped maybe I wont ever wake up.
Okay, I hear myself say.
Excellent, Claire beams. I already have your email, so Ill send you over a preparation package and a little something to let you know how much we want you. Have a good rest of your night, Lark.
I sit with my phone pressed against my ear long after Claire hangs up. Im too everything to move.