Chapter 1: Introduction
Elayah scowled at the ancient lock on her brand-new front door. It looked like something out of an old horror movie, not exactly what you wanted you're moving into an old San Francisco apartment to inspire confidence in your safety.
Finally, a satisfying click echoed through the dim hallway, and she pushed her way in, stumbling over boxes and bags as she went. "Ugh. Why did I take all the furniture?" Her voice sounded foreign in this shell of a place, which would one day be home.
It was a fresh start, a new chapter in Elayah's life. But at that moment, it just seemed overwhelming.
She wrinkled her nose at the scent of old books and musk; no doubt a remnant of the previous owner, Tobben, who was reportedly murdered in this very apartment. The police had cleared the place, but Elayah couldn't shake off the feeling that she wasn't alone.
Elayah glanced around, her heart beating faster than usual, trying to catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye.
She almost laughed at herself. I must watch too many horror shows. Nevertheless, the feeling persisted that she was being watched.
Determined to make this new place feel like home, she began to unpack boxes, stacking books and arranging kitchenware along the counter. She jumped at every creak of the floorboards, half-expecting to see a ghostly figure appear. The apartment was dead quiet—too quiet.
Suddenly, a gust of cold air blew through the room, rustling her hair.
Elayah yelped, her heart pounding in her chest. But there was nothing there. Just an old apartment building settling, she thought dismissively. She brushed the hair from her face and continued unpacking, shaking off the strange sensation.
Meanwhile, in the great beyond, Tobben was watching her from a spectral vantage point. He found himself drawn to her sarcasm and witty personality from the short time he has observed her, qualities that were rare and refreshing. And he couldn't help but admire her curvy figure, an appearance he had always been attracted to.