CHAPTER 10
NECKLACE
Azara's POV
"Where the hell have you been all night long?" was the sharp greeting I received from my youngest sister, Maddy, the moment I stepped into the entrance of our house.
Her voice was filled with a mix of concern and irritation, reflecting the worry that had obviously kept her up all night.
"Not now, Maddy. I'm not in the mood to argue," I said wearily, dismissing her concerns with a wave of my hand.
I brushed past her, not wanting to engage in yet another sibling argument, especially not when I was this exhausted.
I headed straight to the living room, feeling the weight of the night's events bearing down on me.
The couch beckoned, and I threw myself onto it, hoping for just a moment of peace.
"You expect me not to worry when you are gone all night? I couldn't call you, and I couldn't track your phone either. I was so worried, FYI," she snapped, her voice following me into the room.
She was relentless, her worry translating into anger as she trailed behind me.
I turned my gaze to her, noticing something that made me forget my own fatigue for a moment.
There was a bite mark near her collarbone, faint but unmistakable. I stood up, a new kind of concern dawned on me.
"Maddy, have you been with someone?" I asked, deliberately changing the topic.
Her personal life was suddenly more interesting than my own escapades.
"What?" Her eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn't help but smirk. I pointed at the hickey on her collarbone.
"That's a hickey, right? Were you really worried about me, or did someone make your night so enjoyable that you forgot about me?" I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms, leaning into my role as the teasing older sibling.
She pulled up the collar of her sundress, trying to hide the mark on her skin, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Excuse me, n-no one made my night enjoyable," she stammered, unable to meet my eyes.
Her face was a picture of guilt and defensiveness, which only made me more amused.
"Boo, Maddy. You're such a bad liar. So, who was it?" I teased, drawing an imaginary cross in the air, a gesture of mock solemnity.
She glared at me, pretending to be irritated, but I could see the cracks in her façade.
It was moments like these that reminded me just how similar we were.
We really were siblings through and through.
"S-Skyler and I started dating... last night," she admitted, and my eyes widened in surprise.
A mix of shock and joy surged through me, and for a moment, I was at a loss for which emotion to prioritize.
"Really? Tell me more! You've been pursuing her for years, right? Congratulations!" I exclaimed, genuinely happy for her.
I took her hands and pulled her onto the couch, ready to listen to every detail of her newfound romance.
"So, what happened? How did you finally win Skyler over?" I asked, settling in for what I knew would be an interesting story.
As she began to recount her night, a smile of triumph spread across my face.
I had successfully diverted the conversation away from my own mysterious absence, and now, Maddy was too engrossed in her tale to remember to scold me.
"So, you're in a relationship now, and you did it the very first night?" I asked, and she shyly nodded, her cheeks flushing once again.
"That's a naughty thing to do. Is she good in bed, though?" I teased, and she nodded again, more confidently this time.
"Fucking good. She had me screaming her name, and my knuckles nearly got dislocated from gripping the bedsheet so tightly," she confessed, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of new love.
She continued to recount her night in vivid detail, and I just listened, feeling a strange mix of pride and amusement.
For some reason, I felt so proud of my little sister for getting the woman she's been obsessed with ever since she started breathing in this shitty world.
It was a victory of sorts, a win in a world that often seemed devoid of them.
I could see it in her eyes; she was truly in love.
Words can lie, but eyes can't hide the truth.
So far, I knew she was telling the truth.
After our chat, she decided to get ready for work.
I went to my room and took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the grime and exhaustion of the night.
Afterward, I emerged in a bathrobe and headed to the laundry room to dump my dirty clothes.
As I placed my clothes in the laundry basket, I noticed a white bedsheet stained with blood.
I smirked, knowing exactly where it came from.
Maddy's night had been more eventful than she let on.
Returning to my room, I received a text from my boyfriend, Liam.
From Liam:
Can you meet me at Manila Bay today?
I frowned at the message. It was unexpected.
To Liam:
I thought you were in Zambales?
From Liam:
I canceled it yesterday. I went to your mansion yesterday afternoon, but no one was there.
To Liam:
Why should I meet you there? Just come to the house, I'm feeling lazy.
From Liam:
Okay, I'll be there in an hour. I love you
To Liam:
Bring three dozen lemon juices.
From Liam:
*You drink lemon juice?*
To Liam:
I wouldn't ask if I didn't, right?
From Liam:
Good point. I'll bring you three dozen lemon juices. I love you.
To Liam:
K.
I rolled my eyes and set my phone aside. I looked in the mirror and admired my cleavage and curves, feeling a renewed sense of confidence.
I put on a black slim cropped fitted shirt that showed off my cleavage and a pair of denim shorts.
I let my hair down, making it a little wavy. Once it was styled, I swept it to the side to look even better.
I applied light makeup and a touch of red lipstick.
As I gazed at myself in the mirror, I noticed my silver necklace with a spider lily pendant.
The memory of who had given it to me brought a smile to my face.
Thinking of that person, I knew they would come sooner or later.
After all, I am Azara Jazira Cameron, the best actress of all time.
I'm Azara, come on!
---
No one's POV
2 days later
"Maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo!!" A child exclaimed this to the friends Neome and Seyren, who were presently engaged in a lively game of tag with them.
"Thank you so much for your help," the children chorused, lining up and bowing deeply to show their earnest gratitude.
Their small faces shone with sincerity, the simple gesture conveying the depth of their appreciation.
Thanks to the two young women, the children now had food to eat and clothes to wear, a relief that transformed their bleak circumstances into a glimmer of hope.
Seyren had exhausted her entire savings to aid the families devastated by the typhoon, a gesture that garnered widespread admiration.
People were even more impressed when she refused to publicize her generosity on social media.
For Seyren, the act of helping was reward enough; she didn't need accolades or praise from the public.
She believed in the purity of altruism and the quiet satisfaction it brought.
"Just make sure you study hard, kids. Look at me-I studied diligently, and now I'm a detective," Seyren said, offering words of motivation.
Her tone was firm yet encouraging, the voice of someone who had walked the path she was now urging them to take.
The children responded in unison, an interaction that warmed Neome's heart.
She watched, smiling, as Seyren and the children resumed their play, their laughter ringing out in the crisp air.
It was a symphony of joy, a stark contrast to the recent sorrow and hardship these families had endured.
It saddened Neome that this was their last day in the area.
She wished she could stay longer, but both she and Seyren had jobs waiting for them back home.
The demands of their professions were relentless, pulling them back to the urban grind, away from this oasis of simplicity and raw human connection.
The past few days with Seyren had been filled with joy, memories that Neome knew she would cherish forever.
It felt almost as if they were a married couple, sharing a room, sleeping in the same bed, and acting like a pair deeply in love.
There was an ease, a natural intimacy between them that made their time together feel like a fleeting yet precious chapter in a grander story.
"What are you standing there for? Come join us," Seyren called out when she noticed Neome just watching.
Her voice was playful, a challenge wrapped in a question.
Neome shook her head, causing Seyren to pout, her lower lip jutting out in exaggerated disappointment.
"Come on, join in. It's fun." Seyren approached and extended her hand.
Neome looked into Seyren's eyes, her heart racing.
There was something hypnotic about Seyren's gaze, an unspoken promise of adventure and safety.
As Neome took Seyren's hand, she felt a flutter in her stomach, like butterflies.
The touch was electric, a jolt that sent warmth spreading through her chest.
When Neome joined the game, Seyren ended up being thevone chasing after the children with infectious enthusiasm.
When Seyren targeted Neome, she ran, laughing breathlessly, but Seyren soon caught her, wrapping her arms around Neome from behind and not letting go.
"I got you, and I'm not letting you go," Seyren laughed, pretending to be a monster and playfully nipping at Neome's shoulder.
The children giggled as Seyren lifted Neome off the ground, spinning her around.
Neome kicked in the air as she felt herself being lifted by Seyren.
It was a moment suspended in time, pure and exhilarating.
They continued playing with the children until they were exhausted, collapsing onto the grass in a heap of tangled limbs and joyous hearts.
Eventually, the time came for them to leave.
Their farewells were emotional, especially for Seyren, who shed tears as she said goodbye to the kids.
Even as she climbed into the passenger seat, she leaned out the window to wave until Neome started the car and they drove off.
The road stretched out before them, a path leading away from this poignant interlude back to the reality that awaited.
As they hit the road, a comfortable silence settled between them. Seyren, clearly tired, smiled contentedly.
The satisfaction of a good deed well done lingered in the air, a silent testament to the power of compassion.
"Thank you for your help, Seyren. You didn't have to spend all your savings, but you did anyway," Neome said sincerely, glancing at Seyren with a sweet smile. Her voice was soft, laden with unspoken gratitude and admiration.
"Oh, it was nothing. It was only for my dream motorbike, anyway. Besides, earning money is easy; it's harder to ignore people in need," Seyren replied, her tone dismissive yet warm.
She shrugged, as if to say that material possessions paled in comparison to human lives.
"You worked hard for that money, Seyren. You've been saving your whole life, and it was gone in an instant. I swear, I'll find Kalix and his group and sue them," Neome said, her voice growing serious.
The determination in her eyes was fierce, a fire that burned with righteous indignation.
"Let them be. God will judge them for their sins, and karma hits harder," Seyren smiled, her serenity a stark contrast to Neome's fiery resolve.
"Still, if I ever see Kalix on the street, I'll slap him a hundred times," Neome joked, but there was truth in her words.
The image of justice meted out in a flurry of slaps was both comical and satisfying.
"Don't bother; you'll only hurt yourself. Besides, you shouldn't waste your time on people who aren't worth it." Neome scowled, her lips pursed in frustration.
"You're too soft, it's annoying," she said, and Seyren laughed, a bright sound that filled the car.
"I just don't like the idea of hurting people without a valid reason.
I know scamming people is bad, but it's not enough to justify violence." Neome nodded, the tension easing from her shoulders.
"I know. I've known you long enough. You'd rather keep quiet when people are ranting at you. Sometimes I just want to smack you," Neome joked, the affection in her voice belying her words.
"Please don't. I'm a sensitive person," Seyren said, pretending to be hurt, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Their journey was lively, thanks to Seyren's antics.
Neome dropped Seyren off at her mansion and, instead of staying, bid her farewell.
Seyren let Neome leave, knowing she was tired too.
As she entered her home, several maids greeted her warmly, their faces lighting up at her return.
Some shamelessly confessed that they had missed her even though she had only been gone for three days.
Entering her room, instead of unpacking, she collapsed on her soft bed and fell asleep, the day's exertions finally catching up with her.
She slept deeply, her dreams filled with the laughter of children and the warmth of Neome's smile.
---
"Here's what the killer left behind: an expensive pair of heels. But these don't belong to the latest victim," Skyler said to her colleague, her voice tinged with frustration as she held up the luxurious black heels with red soles.
"All the severed fingers we've found at the crime scenes belong to the first victim, Mr. Alvarez. This means only one thing-the killer has a specific target. These murders aren't random," she continued, her tone becoming more resolute as she pinned photos of the victims before their deaths and their brutalized bodies on the board.
The last photo she pinned up was of a woman whose body showed the extent of the killer's brutality.
Ten stab wounds to her abdomen and chest, a large gash on her genitalia with a sex toy shaped like a male organ still inserted, and nails driven through her nipples.
The sight was horrifying, a testament to the killer's depravity.
"Six victims so far. The whole Philippines is alarmed by this killer, and there's growing fear because Red Bull is still at large. Is this all we can do, team? We haven't solved any cases since these heinous crimes began. We need action, not just plans." Her voice grew deeper with every word, a mixture of urgency and determination.
The room fell silent, each member of the team absorbing the gravity of Skyler's words.
The pressure to catch the killer was immense, a weight that bore down on them with relentless intensity.
"Wait lang, Detective, parang may napansin lang akong pattern nila." Saad ng isang Detective.
"What pattern?" Skyler signaled Detective Guerrero to stand and come over to her. The room grew quieter as anticipation built.
Anthony walked to her side and pointed at the photos of the victims pinned to their board.
"Remember, Mr. Alvarez was once featured on television because he was a priest who suddenly converted to Satanism. Then there's Mr. Kim Legaspi, famous on TikTok for being questioned about the authenticity of his jewelry. Sister Jennifer gained fame for her beauty as a nun. This priest was notable for his participation in rallies against LGBTQ rights, this young man was a vlogger, and the latest victim, Evelyn Parker, was once in the media spotlight for being a self-proclaimed mistress." This realization stunned everyone in the office.
Skyler had also noticed this pattern, and the room fell silent as they pondered the implications.
"So... the killer targets people who are popular in the media?" Skyler said, breaking the silence.
"Possibly. If we look back at their backgrounds, they all had moments in the spotlight, not just in the Philippines but globally," Anthony responded.
"Could it be that this killer wants to gain fame as well?" asked one of the police officers, his brow furrowed in deep thought.
"That's possible. Red Bull is a notorious killer, so maybe this is one of his fans," another detective suggested, tapping his pen against the table rhythmically.
Even though Skyler wanted to dismiss what she was hearing, she let them discuss the possibility.
She couldn't accuse anyone without solid evidence.
Her mind raced, connecting dots and considering the profile of someone who might be seeking such twisted fame.
The discussion continued with various theories being thrown around.
The air was thick with tension and the weight of their task ahead.
They debated the killer's motives, methods, and possible next moves, each detective bringing their expertise to the table.
In the end, their meeting went smoothly.
They agreed to divide the cases among themselves, each team taking a few to investigate more thoroughly.
It was a strategy to ensure no detail went unnoticed, and no lead was left unexplored.
Skyler felt a bit more confident with a solid plan in place.
Anthony informed Seyren about the changes in their plan.
---
Seyren's POV
The next day, I arrived early at the headquarters again due to Detective Skyler's orders.
Only two of us were there, and I was in her office, listening to her every word with rapt attention.
"The new victim was found near Quiapo Church," she informed me, her tone grave.
I had grown accustomed to looking at pictures of dead bodies, so I wasn't fazed by the photo of the deceased woman.
The image showed a lifeless body, a tragic figure discarded like an unwanted doll.
"This was found at the crime scene. We discovered that these shoes belong to Azara." My eyebrows shot up when I saw the high heels that indeed belonged to Azara.
The sight of those familiar shoes stirred a mixture of dread and anger within me.
"I believe the killer left this to taunt us, knowing that one of his victims is still alive," she said, her eyes narrowing with determination.
I stared at the shoes, my jaw clenching tightly. The audacity of the killer was infuriating.
"I heard that Liam canceled his trip to Zambales when we went there," I mentioned, looking up to see Skyler's reaction.
Her eyes flickered with interest as she processed this new piece of information.
"I knew it. I thought he would go there, so I went along to keep an eye on him. Could he have noticed us?" I added.
She sat down at her table and stared at the photos on her board, her mind racing with possibilities.
Red lines connected the photos to various pieces of evidence and information about the victims.
Each line told a story, a piece of the puzzle that we were desperately trying to solve.
"That's impossible, we don't even interact with him during work hours," she said in a deep voice, clearly frustrated. I watched her side profile as she thought deeply, her features taut with tension.
"What did the hotel witness say again about the guy?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Well, aside from his obvious appearance, she said his voice was deep. But Liam's voice isn't that deep," I replied.
She nodded and then stood up, her mind still whirring with thoughts.
She sat in her swivel chair and wrote something down, her pen moving swiftly across the paper.
"How about the smell?"
"Smell..." I tried to recall what the woman had told me, sifting through my memories for any useful details.
"Well... She said the killer smelled like Calvin Klein Eternity Perfume. Also, she said he was right-handed." Skyler nodded, her mind piecing together the clues.
I watched as she pinned the notes on the board and then placed Liam's picture in the center.
The board was becoming a tapestry of connections, each note and photo a thread in the intricate web of our investigation.
"He's our main suspect now, but this stays between us. No one else should know except Guerrero. Keep an eye on him, and if necessary, become his stalker. Don't worry about the cases you'll leave behind; we'll handle them for you." I grimaced at the part where she mentioned I'd be a stalker.
The thought of invading someone's privacy, even for a good cause, made me uncomfortable.
"What's with that look? Don't you want to do it?" She raised an eyebrow at me, her gaze sharp and probing.
"It's not that... I'm just not comfortable with this kind of job. I always feel like I'm being watched, and if I do this to someone else, I'll feel guilty if they sense it," I explained, my voice tinged with unease.
Skyler walked closer to me, making me look up even more.
She tapped my shoulder twice and then my cheek, her touch surprisingly gentle.
"I know you're too soft to be a stalker, but you have to do this. Can you stomach seeing another dead body?" I shook my head, the memory of the lifeless victims flashing in my mind.
"Me neither. I don't want to see another brutal death, so let's pull ourselves together. Don't worry, I've got your back." I just nodded, feeling a mixture of determination and trepidation.
"You are dismissed. Come back to the office later, and I'll give you the equipment for spying and such." Once she allowed me to leave, I exited her office, my mind swirling with thoughts of the task ahead.
I scratched my head as I left, feeling exhausted already.
The weight of the investigation was heavy, and the thought of becoming a stalker added an extra layer of stress.
I went to the parking lot to get some money from my moped, but once again, I felt like someone was following me and watching.
The sensation was unsettling, a prickling awareness that made my skin crawl.
I looked around but didn't see anyone.
Even though I tried to ignore it, I couldn't because it felt so heavy, so ominous.
After getting the money, I went to the sidewalk.
While waiting for the go signal to cross, I felt someone approaching.
My senses were on high alert, every nerve tingling with apprehension.
When I looked to my sides, I didn't see anyone staring at me. The unease grew, a creeping dread that I couldn't shake off.
"Ah!!" I screamed when I turned around and saw an old woman.
She suddenly appeared, almost making me lose my balance and sit on the ground.
Her presence was eerie, an unexpected shock that jolted my already frayed nerves.
"My god, lola. You scared me," I commented, but she just stared at me with a sinister look. Her eyes were dark and piercing, filled with a strange intensity.
I examined her; her body and face were dirty, and her clothes were tattered.
It was then that I realized she was a beggar, a woman who had seen hard times.
I reached into my pants pocket, pulled out 50 pesos, and handed it to her.
It was a small gesture, but it was all I could think to do.
She looked at the money but didn't take it.
Her gaze was unwavering, and her words sent a chill down my spine.
"Be careful, dear, may mga demonyo sa tabi mo" she said before walking away.
I frowned and watched where she went, her words echoing in my mind.
I blinked, and she was gone, replaced by a beautiful woman in a black bodycon dress and leather jacket.
The transformation was so sudden, so startling, that I wondered if I was hallucinating.
Was I hallucinating, or was I really sleep-deprived? The line between reality and imagination was blurring, and I felt disoriented.
I didn't sleep well last night because I was working on something.
The lack of rest was catching up with me, making me question my own perceptions.
Maybe I'm just sleepy. I tried to shake off the unsettling encounter and focus on my next task.
I went to a nearby convenience store and bought something to eat and drink.
The normalcy of the store was a welcome relief, a brief respite from the mounting tension.
---
??? POV
"Here, change of clothes, money for food, and a mask." I said as I tossed a bag to the man lounging on the couch, watching TV.
The room was dimly lit, the flickering light from the television casting shadows on his face.
He turned his attention to me and smiled, a look of smug satisfaction on his face.
"I thought you were going to leave me in this mansion," he said, smiling.
His voice was smooth, almost too casual given the circumstances.
"This is my house, and if anyone is leaving, it's you, Verick," I said in a deep voice, my tone leaving no room for argument.
"Just call me Dad," he said confidently, his smile never wavering.
"I don't have a father who surrenders to the police just to escape again. You only introduced yourself to people," I replied harshly, my words cutting through the air like a knife.
I walked away, climbing the stairs of the palatial house, but he called out to me before I got far.
"You know, I didn't really kill those people" I furrowed my brow at what he said.
"I may be a psychopath, but I'm not the one who killed those people. It's all Gordon Cameron; I just took the fall," he said, his voice carrying a mix of resignation and bitterness.
"Why?" I asked, my curiosity piqued despite the unsettling context.
"Because," he continued, his gaze drifting as if lost in a distant memory.
"Even though I cheated on him, I still love him dearly and our child." His voice softened with an almost wistful tone, revealing a depth of emotion that contradicted his earlier demeanor.
"Gordon... he was everything to me. Our relationship was complicated, full of its own shadows and betrayals, but underneath it all, there was love. I made mistakes, grave ones, but in the end, it was his path that led to the darkness, not mine."
He paused, a flicker of pain crossing his face.
"I took the fall because I couldn't bear to see him suffer the consequences. I couldn't let our child grow up knowing that their parent was the one who had orchestrated such horrors. I suppose, in some twisted way, it was my attempt at redemption-a way to shield what little innocence was left in our world from the truth of his actions."
His confession left a heavy silence hanging in the air, each word echoing the weight of a tragic love story intertwined with guilt and sacrifice.
"Why don't we bond, huh? Who's your next victim? If you want, I'll help you. I know a game you'll really enjoy," he changed the topic and offered some kind of interesting stuff, his tone laced with a chilling enthusiasm.
My shoulders slumped.
I looked over my shoulder and met his charcoal eyes.
He was grinning widely, clearly anticipating my decision.
I studied his demeanor and smiled because it was the first time I saw sincerity in his words.
His eagerness was unsettling, a glimpse into his twisted psyche.
"Sure... I'll give you the details of my next victim soon. For now, enjoy your freedom," I said and walked away.
He returned to watching TV while I secretly watched him from a distance.
It was fascinating to see him acting so human. It's hard to believe he's a demon who killed 813 people with his partner.
His casual demeanor was a stark contrast to the monstrous reality of his actions.
But it's even more amusing to think that even psychopaths feel love when it comes to family. It was a disturbing reminder of the complexity of human emotions.
But there's no denying he's a devil.
A cold-blooded killer who thrived on chaos and death.
A demon that needs to disappear from this world. My resolve hardened, and I knew what had to be done.
"Just wait for your turn, father. You'll shine again, I promise"
---
Seyren's POV
"And then she kissed me and finally said yes" My eyes lit up at Elowen's story as we played PS5 in his room.
"No wonder she's looking blooming these days and seems more motivated at work. Congratulations, you finally got your girl," I teased him, giving him a nudge with my elbow.
"But seriously, she's livelier than before. And her smile is so wide when she gets a text. You're the one messaging her, aren't you?" I continued with my teasing tone, and he nodded in response.
"Yie," I teased even more.
"Shut up!" he retorted, playfully hitting my arm. We continued playing, and I had to admit that I missed hanging out with Elowen.
It felt good to have some light-hearted fun again, like old times.
As we were deeply immersed in our game, we heard a knock on the door.
"Come in," we called out simultaneously, our voices blending in perfect harmony.
The door slowly creaked open. My eyes were glued to the TV screen, so I didn't see who it was immediately.
But my heart started racing when I heard a familiar voice, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Can I join?" I looked up and saw Azara standing not far away.
She was a vision in a long-sleeve shirt with the collar unbuttoned, revealing not only her cleavage but also a glimpse of her undergarment. Her outfit was daring, exuding a confident aura that seemed to fill the room.
She confidently wore only bottom garments without shorts, but her femininity and butt cheeks were covered by the length of the garment and shirt, adding an alluring touch to her appearance.
"Sure, glad you thought of it. Come here," Elowen said, tapping the empty space between us on the bed.
Azara and I locked eyes for a few intense seconds, a silent understanding passing between us.
She moved gracefully to sit next to me, her presence commanding attention.
As she settled beside me, I couldn't help but notice the intricate necklace she was wearing.
It was a delicate piece, its design so intricate that it was almost hypnotic.
The way it rested against her skin made it even more captivating, and I found myself momentarily lost in its beauty.
That necklace...
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