Thump.
Vivian slowly opened her eyes in the darkness of her room.
She frowned, still half asleep.
Thump.
Another soft knock against the window glass.
She slowly sat up in bed. The room was silent, interrupted only by that repetitive sound. She glanced at the clock—still very early.
There were no classes today. The school was still partially closed because of the damage from the "flood."
She sighed and ran a hand through her red hair.
Thump.
This time the sound was clearer.
Vivian turned her head toward the window and froze completely.
A balloon shaped like a bird floated outside, gently tapping the glass with its beak.
Her eyes hardened.
After everything she had experienced—the forest, the Skinless Ones, the blood, the terror—she no longer doubted these kinds of things. She knew they were real.
She got up slowly, barefoot against the cold floor, and walked toward the window.
Tied around the balloon bird's neck was a white letter, folded neatly.
Vivian stared at it silently for a few seconds.
She knew exactly who had sent it.
She carefully opened the window.
The bird floated elegantly into the room and landed on her desk. The plastic crinkled softly.
She took the letter.
Opened it with steady hands, even though her heart was beating faster than normal.
---
"Hello, Vivian.
You're probably already awake when you read this.
You're also likely the person closest to my position right now."**
Vivian frowned slightly and kept reading.
---
Now, the important part.
Prepare yourself.
Because what's coming will probably be far worse than that night in the forest.
---
Vivian's face paled.
The memories came rushing back: the darkness, the smell of blood, the Skinless Boss, the paralyzing fear of believing she was going to die.
She tightened her grip on the letter, but she didn't tremble.
She simply took a deep breath and continued.
---
Stay away from those handsome guys getting too close to you and Brittany.
They're not what they seem.
---
Vivian narrowed her eyes.
She didn't blush.
She only felt a cold, serious concern.
She mentally noted the warning.
Then continued reading.
---
Remember something important, Vivian.
You already saw things you were never supposed to see.
There's no turning back.
---
The last sentence settled heavily against her chest.
Vivian slowly lowered the letter and stared blankly ahead.
She knew it was true.
Ever since that night, everything had changed.
She could no longer close her eyes and pretend the world was normal.
She could no longer convince herself that everything had been nightmares or coincidences.
Now she knew monsters existed.
Magic.
Things that wore human skin.
And a clown who appeared from nowhere… killing.
She looked out the window.
The sky was gray and heavy.
A deep chill ran through her body, as if something was watching her.
She lowered her gaze toward the letter once more.
—"…This case will be much worse…"
She swallowed slowly.
—What the hell is happening now…?
The balloon bird slowly began to deflate in front of her, losing its shape until it became nothing more than an ordinary balloon lying on the desk.
The room fell silent.
But Vivian no longer felt safe.
She grabbed her phone decisively and typed a message.
To Brittany:
We need to talk. It's urgent. Today.
When she sent the message, she lifted her eyes toward the mirror in her room.
For a second…
She thought she saw a small purple eye floating in the reflection.
Vivian froze.
She blinked.
And it disappeared.
Her breathing quickened slightly.
She kept staring at the mirror for several more seconds, serious, her face tense.
—…
Far away from there…
Ryan felt the mark begin to burn.
He frowned from the irritating sensation.
It wasn't hurting him.
But it was extremely annoying.