ilence doesn't comfort me. It presses against me, thi

s Vale

comforting. A ghost? A trick of my imagination? Or wor

st definitely be a ghost. And he said he's a

osts aren't real.

the apartment. Every shadow feels aliv

are shaking so badly I fumble with the

through the air, almost giving me a fright.

bag of chips beside her. Her hair is up in a messy

face, her playful irrit

. what's

quickly, closing t

wn. "Don't even try that with me. You look

st a long day," I mumble

Not buying it. You're pale, your hands are shaking, and you look like you're ab

with water, avoiding her

on the counter. "North." Her voice is softe

t tightening. "You'

o a small smile. "But I'm still your best a

ls out before I can stop myself. "I was at the cemetery l

e cemetery? At night? North, do I ne

I say quickly. "I mean, I w

ession fades. "W

out me. Things no one else could know. The way he moves as fast as sound.

mouth slightly open. "

ice cracking. "I don't know what he is. A gho

. You're not losing your mind. Something weird is

fear doesn't leave. "What if it's

s firmly. "But right now, you need

e leaves, I try my best to fall asleep. Maybe

finally does, it pulls me into a dream

hums softly along with the radio. I'm in the passenger seat, f

, pointing out the window at something

it ha

res screeching, metal crunching, and glass shattering fills the air.

my heart poundi

dripping from a gash on her forehe

ng her to wake up. "Mom, ple

of nowhere, glowing in the

rth

g in short, panicked gasps. My heart

r nigh

ent, but then I hear it...the so

flickering streetlight, is a Valentine playing the violin.

filled with instant fear again. What is

nd his hair is dul

ut I'll never know if

my jacket and head outside. M

ng him to run off t

should play a violin at this

my blood runs cold.

yes gleaming with somet

I-I thought you were

suddenly in front of m

his hour?" he asks, his

y wrist. His touch is icy, his fingers like steel. Pain

scream, struggl

ser, his breath cold against my skin. "You should

mps over my mouth. His eyes gleam with hunger, and bef

eth sink into my neck. My struggles weake

haunting melody of the viol