Chapter - 2: The Voice

School ended, and the teacher stepped outside. The sky was silent, the road empty. Her footsteps echoed softly on the pavement. Slowly, another set of footsteps began, faint at first, but growing steadily closer.

She noticed it, but kept walking without turning. The sound grew louder, faster, each step perfectly matching hers. Then, a voice called out from behind, firm yet calm:

“Shara.”

Startled, she spun around—and there he was. Rehan. Standing in the shadows, calm, commanding.

“Hello,” he said, his voice smooth and unwavering. “I’m Rehan, the head officer.”

Shara froze, a flicker of shock crossing her face.

           CHAPTER - 2: THE VOICE 

Shara froze, her voice barely above a whisper.

“What… Why are you following me?”

Rehan tilted his head, expression calm, almost casual.

“Actually… I forgot the way to my hotel,” he said smoothly, as if that explained everything. “And then I saw you walking… so, maybe you can help me?”

Shara blinked, suspicion warring with surprise.

“But… how did you know?”

Rehan shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“You forget… we came to school today, didn’t we? And I saw you there… so I knew.”

“Oh… that’s why you’re here,” Shara said slowly, still trying to piece it together.

“Yeah,” Rehan replied, entirely unbothered.

Shara hesitated, then sighed. “Fine. Tell me… what’s the name of your hotel?”

Rehan paused, as though struggling to recall. “That… uh… it’s something. Something like… Love… Love Place? Yeah, maybe.”

Shara raised an eyebrow. “So… you don’t even know the name?”

“Yeah,” Rehan said casually, as if it were no big deal.

“Then… why aren’t you calling your junior officers?”

Rehan rubbed the back of his neck. “I only have one number… Albert… but he’s not answering.”

Shara frowned. “Then… maybe I could help?”

Rehan laughed softly, almost apologetic, though not really. “Ah… what a careless mess I am. Sorry… you can go. I’ll… just sit here.”

“What? Are you mad?” Shara’s eyes widened.

“So… what else am I supposed to do?” he replied, with the faintest shrug.

“Why not call the principal?” Shara suggested, exasperated.

“I… don’t have his number,” Rehan said, as if that explained everything.

“Then… what do we do? Don’t you have the hotel staff’s numbers at least?”

“I… don’t,” he said, voice casual, brushing off the question.

“Then why not call your top officer and ask for the numbers?” Shara pressed.

Rehan’s eyes narrowed slightly, a smile creeping back. “Ah… wait. I just realized something.”

Shara frowned, wary. “What?”

“Wait… what’s on your shoulder?” he asked suddenly, stepping closer.

Shara glanced down, confused. “What is it?”

“An insect,” Rehan said calmly.

“What?!” Shara yelped, instinctively twitching.

“Wait… I’ll remove it,” he said, reaching out. His hand brushed her shoulder for a brief second. “It’s gone.”

Shara exhaled sharply. “Ah… thank you.”

“Eh, it’s okay,” he said lightly, stepping back. “Also… I just remembered the hotel’s name and where it is. But thanks. Really. Bye.”

“Bye,” Shara murmured, still half-dazed.

And just like that, Rehan was gone.

Rehan walked steadily down the quiet street, each step deliberate, yet casual. His phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and answered without looking.

“Hello?”

“Sir, where are you?” came Albert’s voice, slightly anxious.

“On my way,” Rehan replied, keeping his pace.

“On your way… on foot?” Albert asked, disbelief clear.

“Yes,” Rehan said casually. “Why call me if you didn’t expect me to walk?”

“You could have called, sir… I could’ve picked you up,” Albert suggested.

“I had work anyway, so I thought… why not walk?” Rehan replied, shrugging even though Albert couldn’t see it.

“Sir… but you’re walking,” Albert repeated.

“I’m not a celebrity who can’t walk. Besides…” Rehan paused, smirking slightly, “I’m hanging up now.”

“Okay, sir,” Albert said, a little exasperated.

Click. The call ended, but Rehan didn’t slow down.

A soft yawn escaped him. Now… just go, and whatever it is… huh…

His mind drifted, observing, analyzing.

The culprit, most likely. He thought. She didn’t realize it, but her first reaction when she saw me—it gave her away. A normal person doesn’t get that startled… not like that. She didn’t flinch when I looked back at her, but the fear was there, hidden. A normal person glances back, hesitates, maybe even panics… but a culprit? They know the rules. They know the stakes. And she? She revealed herself perfectly, without even realizing it. Proof? Not yet. Might not even be needed. But for me… it’s obvious. Her reaction wasn’t normal.

Rehan smirked faintly to himself. And yes, the lies I told her—my little bluffs—she didn’t catch a single one. That, too, tells me something. Everything points in one direction.

He adjusted his pace, walking calmly through the streets. To anyone else, he was just another man taking a stroll. To him… every step, every glance, every instinct mattered.

Rehan reached the hotel and flopped onto the bed, still in his jacket. The ceiling stared back at him, blank and indifferent. Just as he was about to close his eyes, his phone buzzed.

He answered lazily.

“Hello?”

“Hey, listen…” Jimmy’s voice came through, hesitant.

“What?” Rehan asked, already sensing trouble.

“The mission you’re on… there’s talk of bringing another officer in.”

Rehan frowned. “Which officer?”

A pause. Then—

“Shaziya.”

“What?!” Rehan shot up. “No. No, no, no. Her? Why her?”

“Apparently… they want to make sure you don’t pull some stunt,” Jimmy said, dryly.

Rehan scoffed. “Jimmy, listen. No matter what happens, Shaziya cannot come under any circumstances. If she shows up…” His voice dropped, sharp. “I’ll personally kill you, man.”

“Hey! What did I do?” Jimmy protested. “And seriously… whose word will count more? mines or hers? She’s got a ninety-four percent crime-solving rate.”

Rehan ran a hand through his hair, frustration visible. “Jimmy… you’re my friend, right? Please, do something. She cannot come.”

There was a silence. Finally, Jimmy said, “I’ll try… but I can’t guarantee. She might still come.”

Rehan clenched his jaw. “Fine… just try. That’s all I ask.”

“Yeah,” Jimmy replied softly.

The call ended.

Rehan let his head fall back on the bed.

Shaziya… no. Not her.

He let out a sharp, frustrated breath. If she comes… my reputation will be destroyed. God, what do I even do now?

He stared at the ceiling, eyes narrowing, mind racing.

This isn’t going to be easy…

12 A.M., Huntsville

The house was silent. Everyone else was asleep in their rooms. Huntsville itself lay in darkness, blanketed in stillness.

In one bedroom, a ten-year-old boy lay in bed. Beside him, the window was closed, the night calm—too calm.

Suddenly, a voice whispered through the glass. “Wake up… wake up.”

Cold, insistent, impossible to ignore. The boy stirred. The voice came again. “Wake up… wake up.”

Outside the window, a girl stood. Her face was hidden behind a mask, her body wrapped in layers of cloth. She stepped closer and knocked—once… twice… three times.

The boy hesitated, remembering strict instructions he had been given: don’t tell anyone, not even teachers.

The knock came again. “Sen… it’s me.”

“Who?” he whispered.

“Your teacher,” she said softly.

“Teacher? Which one?”

“Your English teacher.”

“Miss Shara?” he asked, unsure.

“Yes… can you open the main door?”

He hesitated, then nodded and went to the door. Shara moved inside quietly, calm and composed.

“Ah… you opened it. It’s freezing, isn’t it?” she said, rubbing her arms.

“Yeah… it’s cold,” he replied. “Well… you can come inside.”

“No, it’s okay. But… why are you wearing your school uniform at this hour?” she asked.

He thought for a moment, hesitant. I’m not supposed to tell anyone…

“Sen?” she asked gently.

“Yeah…” he replied.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah… I’m fine,” he said, still alert.

“Sen… if you don’t mind, can we go outside?”

“At this hour?”

“Yeah,” she said. “Don’t worry. We won’t go far. Come on.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “Fine… but I’ll put on my jacket first.”

“Okay.”

He grabbed his jacket, put it on, and returned. “Let’s go.”

Together, they stepped into the night.

Next Morning, School

Rehan’s phone buzzed on the bedside table. He picked it up, rubbing his eyes.

“Hello?” he answered, voice heavy with sleep.

“Hello, Mister Rehan. An urgent matter has come up,” the principal’s voice said, serious and tense.

“Hmm… what happened?” Rehan replied, stifling a yawn.

“A student has gone missing,” the principal said, his tone sharp. “His parents came to the school last night.”

Rehan blinked. “Why would they come to the school? Shouldn’t they just go to the police station? And why call me first thing in the morning?” he muttered, half to himself.

“Sir,” the principal continued, “the complaint has already been filed. This is urgent. And… it’s a child again, only ten years old. Please, we need you to come to the school immediately.”

Rehan let out a long yawn. “Alright… I’m coming,” he said, cutting the call.

He hung up, already thinking about the case that awaited him.

Tick… tock… tick… tock…

One… two… three… one… two… three… one… two… three…

From the shadows of the darkened area, a man’s voice whispered, low and deliberate. The rhythm of his words matched the sound of an unseen clock, each “one, two, three” echoing into the emptiness, sending chills through the quiet day.

Rehan reached the school and quickly climbed up to the first floor. He pushed open the door of the principal’s office.

The principal was seated inside. In front of him sat the boy’s parents.

Rehan spoke bluntly.

“Alright. Now tell me—what do I have to do?”

The boy’s mother stood up from her chair.

“What do you mean what do you have to do?” she said angrily. “Now you tell me what you’re going to do. Because of you, my child has gone missing. I don’t even know where he is.”

Rehan replied coldly,

“A ten-year-old child isn’t that small. I’ll see what needs to be done. Otherwise, what—will you just have another child?”

The mother reacted instantly and slapped.

“What—” she cried, her voice breaking. “Don’t you have any shame? My child is missing! If something happens to him, I won’t spare you. I will kill you”

She broke down, crying.

Rehan stayed silent for a moment, then said calmly,

“Don’t worry. I’ll catch him.”

The mother froze.

“What?”

“I’ll catch the culprit,” Rehan said.

She rushed toward him in rage, trying to grab. The boy’s father stood up immediately to stop her, and the principal stepped in as well.

She shouted,

“Don’t you feel ashamed? My child is missing! What’s more important—saving my child or catching the culprit?!”

She grabbed Rehan’s neck, and the father pulled her back, taking her away from him.

As soon as she was pulled back, Rehan adjusted his collar.

“Oh… what’s more important?” he said coldly.

“Saving the child or catching the culprit?”

He looked straight at her.

“Catching the culprit.”

Silence filled the room.

“We’re not sitting here under a contract to save everyone’s children,” he continued. “For me, catching the culprit is more important than saving any one child. And what did I do to your son? He didn’t disappear from school. He vanished from his house.”

He paused, then added quietly,

“And let me say one more thing. A few months ago, a man grabbed my neck. I cut his hands

Rehan turned around and walked out.

Rehan arrived at the school grounds. Zaya was there, looking at her phone.

He called out.

“Zaya.”

She looked up.

“Yes?”

“Can you help me?” Rehan asked.

“Yes, sir,” Zaya replied. She put her phone down and walked over. (Inner thought: What happened that he needs my help?)

“Alright,” she said. “What do you need?”

“I have a task. Will you help me?” Rehan asked.

“Yes… but what kind of task?”

“All the students under thirteen in this school,” 

Rehan said, “I need to visit all their homes.”

“What?” Zaya’s eyes widened.

“Sorry, but we have to go,” Rehan said calmly.

“Okay,” she nodded.

At that moment, Albert arrived in a car.

Zaya whispered, noticing him,

“Why is he here?”

Albert got out of the car, picked up a bag from the passenger seat, and said,

“Ah…”

Rehan glanced at him sharply and said,

“Don’t tell me your father’s inheritance is involved, talking like this.”

Albert blinked,

“Sorry, sir…”

Rehan smirked and asked,

“Why are you saying sorry to me?”

Albert hesitated,

“Ah… sorry, sir.”

Rehan shook his head slightly.

“Just leave the bag here.”

Albert handed over the bag.

“Yes, sir.”

Zaya peeked inside.

“What’s in there?”

Rehan said deadpan,

“Albert’s inheritance.”

Zaya laughed quietly.

“Alright, let’s go,” Rehan said.

Zaya hesitated,

“But sir… from where?”

“From the car,” Rehan replied.

“From the car?” she repeated.

“Yes, that’s why Albert came,” Rehan explained.

“Oh,” Zaya said, understanding.

“Now, let’s move,” Rehan said firmly.

Everyone climbed into the car, ready to begin the task.

Rehan glared at Albert.

“Hey, Einstein’s child.”

Albert blinked, “Sir… Tesla.”

“Ah, right. Tesla, sorry. Anyway, listen,” Rehan continued, his tone sharp but teasing.

“Yes, sir?” Albert replied, cautious.

“This car… yours?” Rehan asked.

“No, sir. It belongs to the UNI,” Albert said.

Rehan smirked, “Then why the hell are you driving it like it’s your father’s personal ride?”

Albert’s face turned red.

“Sorry, sir.”

“And here comes another sorry?” Rehan said, raising an eyebrow.

“Sorry, sir,” Albert mumbled again.

Rehan shook his head dramatically, hands in the air.

“Come on, I’m the one who should be saying sorry… forgive me, Albert .”

“I… I’m sorry, sir,” Albert stammered.

Rehan muttered under his breath,

“Unbelievable…”

Meanwhile, Zaya, sitting on the side, couldn’t help herself—she laughed quietly at the whole exchange.

Zaya glanced at Rehan, curiosity written all over her face.

“Sir… how will we know which house belongs to which student?”

Rehan smirked, glancing at Albert.

"Tesla's child, right? He has the list.”

Albert nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

Zaya’s eyes widened.

“Oh… so you’ve been planning this all along?”

“Since yesterday,” Rehan replied casually.

“Oh,” Zaya said, a small smile forming.

The car came to a stop near a house.

Albert looked around and said,

“Sir, this is the nearest house.”

Rehan nodded.

“Then get out. What else?”

All three stepped out. Rehan made them stand outside the house and spoke in a low, serious tone.

“Listen. This bag has alarm clocks. You have to place one inside every child’s room. Got it?”

“Okay… but why?” Zaya asked.

“You’ll find out,” Rehan replied casually. “By the way, who’s going to place it?”

“I’ll do it,” Zaya said.

“Good. Take one,” Rehan said, handing her a clock.

Albert frowned.

“Sir… if we’re placing only one alarm in a house, why did all of us get down?”

Rehan looked at him.

“Because there are other houses too in this area, genius.”

“Oh… right,” Albert said, then hesitated.

“But sir, you’re giving only one clock. There are many houses here. Don’t we need more?”

Zaya nodded.

“He’s right, sir.”

Rehan sighed dramatically.

“Albert… my Einstein’s child.”

“Sir. Tesla,” Albert corrected.

Rehan clicked his tongue.

“First, change your father’s name.”

“Sir—”

“Ah, sorry,” Rehan waved it off. “Anyway, yes, you’re right. But here’s the problem—no one should know that we planted these clocks.”

Zaya frowned.

“What?”

“Leave it for now,” Rehan said.

“But sir,” Zaya continued, “you didn’t explain what we should do next. There are many houses. How do we manage with just one?”

“We have to hide them,” Rehan said calmly. “They shouldn’t be visible. That’s why—take only one at a time.”

Zaya thought for a moment.

“So… isn’t there something we can use to carry them secretly? Like the bag you’re wearing?”

Rehan paused.

“I was about to tell him to bring more bags but…”

“But?”

“I forgot,” he admitted casually. “Alright, let’s do this. I’ll leave some clocks in the car. You take them from there and move around nearby.”

Then he turned to Albert.

“And I’ll walk on foot. Send me the list as well.”

“Okay, sir,” Albert replied.

Rehan nodded.

“Once I place the clocks in the car, I’ll give you one. And you send me the list.”

Half an hour later.

Rehan’s inner voice broke the silence.

It’s already one o’clock. School will be over soon… and what am I doing? Planting alarms like a madman…

He exhaled slowly and stopped in front of another house.

Rehan rang the bell.

The door opened.

“Hello,” he said.

The woman blinked, confused.

“Hello… but who are you?”

“I’m investigating the recent vanishing case,” Rehan replied calmly. “I just want to make sure no harm comes to your child. That’s why I’m here.”

“Oh…” Her expression softened. “I’m sorry. Please, come in.”

“If you don’t mind,” Rehan said politely, “may I go into your child’s bedroom?”

“Ah… yes,” she nodded.

“Can you show me the way?”

“Yes, come this way.”

She led him to the room. Rehan stepped inside, his eyes quickly scanning the space.

“Could you please leave me alone here for a few minutes?” he said.

“I mean… this is for your child’s safety.”

The woman hesitated for a second, then nodded.

“Alright.”

As soon as she left, Rehan moved quickly. He placed the alarm carefully, making sure it was hidden—but not too hidden.

Perfect.

He stepped out of the room.

“Thank you,” he said with a faint smile.

The woman nodded, unaware.

Rehan walked out of the house and disappeared down the street, his face calm—but his mind already moving ahead.

Night had fallen.

In the darkness, a faint glow flickered—only the shadows around a small fire were visible, dancing and wavering in the dim light.

For a moment, nothing moved. Then, a shadow appeared, slowly approaching the edge of the firelight.

The figure paused, clutching his cheeks, pain twisting his body.

“Ah… haa… huh…”

Blood trickled from his mouth, glinting in the firelight. He sank slowly to the ground, collapsing into the shadows.

For a few tense seconds, silence held the night.

Then, cutting through the stillness, a voice—or perhaps a sound—echoed:

“Tick… toc… tick… toc… tick… toc…”

The shadows seemed to shiver, the fire flickering as if disturbed by some unseen presence.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, a quiet house sat under the cloak of night.

From one of its windows, a soft, insistent voice called:

"Wake up… wake up…"

Inside, a nine-year-old boy slept peacefully, completely unaware. The voice came again, louder this time:

"Wake up… wake up…"

He didn’t stir. He was deep in sleep, lost in his own world.

Outside, she approached the window, the shadows stretching in the dim glow of the streetlight, and knocked lightly. No response.

Frustrated, she moved to the main door. To her surprise, it wasn’t locked. She pushed it open carefully.

11:58 PM.

Inside, she moved cautiously, searching for the boy’s room.

11:59 PM.

She peeked in, taking note of the sleeping parents, the scattered toys, the faint hum of the night. Everything seemed normal. But then she moved closer to the boy.

12:00 AM.

A sudden, eerie laugh echoed from the room:

"Darling… ha ha ha ha ha."

It wasn’t her laugh. And it wasn’t his.

"What are you thinking, darling… ha ha ha…"

— — — — TO BE CONTINUED — — — —

  DARLING, IS IN THE SHOCK NOW

CHAPTER-3: THE COLD DOMAIN 

                                     Written & Created by

                                                DARK_Novels_