Chapter 12. The Watcher
The Watcher
Now, it’s getting interesting—and more dangerous. What did you think would happen, Holly? How foolish are you? You’re about to start a fire you cannot contain.
I saw it all: how you called the cops, which sent the girl fleeing into the night. That’s probably for the best. If she’s with you, she isn’t safe either.
You don’t realize how close you are to the truth. You don’t even understand what you’re looking for. But you’re going to stumble across it at some point. That’s what I fear. It’s like a curse you can’t avoid, a destiny you cannot outrun. The Fates have spoken.
When you discover the girl is gone, you will look for her, won’t you? I’ve watched you long enough to know how you’ll react. You can’t let this stranger go, but you should. The fire you’re starting will surround you, consume you, along with anyone who gets too close.
I’m sure you’ve been through a lot, Holly, but so have I.
You have no idea what the passing years have taken from me—living with my secrets and sins.
But now, all I can do is protect those secrets.
It’s hard enough for me to face what I’ve become.
I refuse to let others know my wickedness.
All I can say is that shame burns—it swallows you whole.
You can do nothing but bathe in its corrosive acids until you’re no longer the person you once knew.
You become someone unrecognizable, capable of doing the unthinkable.
It’s time for me to take more decisive action. Watching is one thing—but it might not be enough. You need to start getting my message loud and clear.
You don’t belong here.
You cannot stay.