Bullet Train to Murder | ONC novella ✓

14 | lost town

His lips brushed her ear, sending a jolt through her. "Don't go digging too deep," he warned, his tone as icy as his eyes. "You may not like what you find."

As he pulled back, the shadow of a threat lingered between them. A shiver danced down Lena's spine, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. The house, once their sanctuary, was now a prison of secrets, and she was left wondering if she was safer in the dark or if ignorance was a luxury she could no longer afford.

Their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills, Lena's resolve wavering under the weight of Jasper's dark intensity. Could she uncover the truth without losing herself in the process? Or would the secrets lurking in the shadows consume her whole?

Without warning, Jasper reached for her hand, his grip surprisingly strong. He pulled her towards a hidden wall panel, his movements purposeful. With a practiced flick of his wrist, the panel slid open, revealing a small alcove. Inside, nestled amongst velvet padding, lay an ornate wooden box.

"This," he whispered, his voice sending chills down her spine, "is just the beginning." The air crackled with anticipation as Jasper opened the box, revealing a collection of faded photographs and yellowed letters tied with a fraying ribbon.

Lena's breath caught in her throat. The faces staring back at her from the photographs were a haunting echo from the past – loved ones long gone, their memories etched forever in her mind.

"What is this, Jasper?" Her voice trembled as she reached out, her fingers hesitant as they brushed against the cool, worn surfaces of the photographs.

"These are the remnants of my past, Lena," Jasper replied cryptically, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and a darkness she couldn't decipher.

As she sifted through the letters, her eyes widened in realization. The words on the pages spoke of love and loss, of promises whispered and dreams shattered. A past Jasper had kept hidden from her, a past shrouded in secrets.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" Her voice was barely a whisper, the weight of his deception heavy on her chest.

"These photographs and letters are not just relics of the past, Lena," Jasper began, a hint of remorse softening his voice. "They are pieces of a puzzle that connect to a decades-old mystery plaguing our town."

Lena's eyes widened further as Jasper began to unravel the story behind the photographs and letters. Decades ago, their idyllic town had been marred by a series of unexplained disappearances. People vanished without a trace, leaving behind only whispers and unanswered questions.

Jasper revealed a chilling truth – his family was intricately linked to this mystery. Some of the missing were distant relatives, others close friends. The letters contained frantic pleas for help, a desperate attempt to uncover the truth behind the disappearances that had haunted their town for generations.

As Jasper recounted the story, Lena's mind raced with questions. How had she been unaware of this dark chapter in her husband's past? What role did his family play in the disappearances, and why had he kept it hidden from her for so long?

But amidst the confusion and fear, there was a glimmer of understanding. Jasper's guarded demeanor, his reluctance to share his past, all made sense now. He was protecting her, shielding her from the horrors that lurked beneath the surface of their seemingly peaceful town.

The night wore on, Lena and Jasper delved deeper into the mysteries of the past, their shared investigation forging a bond stronger than ever before. Together, they vowed to uncover the truth, to unravel the secrets that had haunted their town for so long.

Little did they know, the answers they sought would lead them down a dark and treacherous path, where danger lurked around every corner and the truth was more terrifying than they could have ever imagined.

Word Count: 1234

Another chapter is finally up after eons, yay!

How are you, how's things? Did your book make it through the ONC?

There's never a time i am not busy, since i am so bad at time management, i won't apologize for no updates sorry not sorry 😂

The word count is incidental, not on purpose, though it looks quite unique xD

BUT could you link who are Lena and Jasper?

A lot of digging has to yet be done into their past. Why did Lena never came forth since the discovery, and who is behind these town disappearances, it seems like a pattern that repeats itself, why haven't the authorities caught hold of them yet 🧐

The mystery deepens and intensifies.. we gotta stay tuned to find out what happens in the end!

Hope you liked this chapter :) Catch y'll until the next update rolls out! :D

cheers,
sara <3