The old library stood at the end of the street like a forgotten shadow from another time. Its broken windows reflected the dim orange light of the streetlamps, and the wooden sign above the door creaked every time the wind passed through it. People in the neighborhood avoided this place, saying it was haunted by memories and secrets.
I stood across the road, clutching my phone tightly.
Six o'clock.
The message from the unknown number echoed in my mind. Come alone.
Every instinct told me to turn back, but my feet refused to move. Somewhere inside that building was the truth about my mother—and about me.
Taking a deep breath, I crossed the road and pushed the heavy door.
It opened with a long, slow creak.
Inside, the air was cold and smelled of dust and old paper. Tall shelves lined the walls, filled with books that hadn't been touched for years. My footsteps echoed loudly in the empty hall, making my heart race even faster.
"Hello?" I whispered.
No answer.
I moved deeper into the shadows, my eyes searching for any sign of movement. Suddenly, a faint light flickered at the far end of the room.
The key is inside the light.
The words from the note returned to me. My chest tightened as I followed the glow. A small desk lamp sat on a wooden table, its light shaking as if it might go out at any moment. Beneath it lay an old, dusty book.
I opened the book carefully. Inside the cover, something small was taped. My hands trembled as I peeled it away.
It was a key.
Before I could react, footsteps echoed behind me.
"You came."
I turned sharply. He stood near the doorway—the stranger from the rain. Up close, his face looked tired, but there was something gentle in his eyes.
"My name is Aarav," he said softly.
"Why are they after me?" I demanded.
He sighed. "Because your mother hid proof that could expose powerful people. This key opens a locker where she kept everything."
A noise came from outside—a car door slammed.
Aarav grabbed my hand. "We have to go. Now."
We ran into the dark alley, my heart pounding. But for the first time, I wasn't running alone.
Somewhere in the city, the truth was waiting.
And I was closer than ever.