A romance born from a life-saving moment between two people from vastly different worlds. 

--- please like and comment, it will encourage me to be fast to finish up the story 😀 

All year long I buckle my shoe

Everytime I count my blessings,

I count the coming Xmas twice 

Cos when it comes I know surely 

No worries and pain or bother at all 

The town is red and the sky is green

The cold is cool and the world is glad

The first gift Santa gives is Joy

Joy of the season is the reason to mingle 

While I await the robust goodness Santa packs for me,

I bask in the feeling that the time is near

When I unravel the package and smiles

The time sweet Santa brings in my gifts.

It's gonna be hard

And I don't want to do it 

But what I want

Is not what I need

My emotions rest with you

It connected us

We are so alike

Yet I must let you go

I feel ungrateful 

I'm leaving you behind 

To chase my own selfishness 

After I surrendered my life to Christ, all I wanted to do was please God. Then, one day, the person who brought me into the Christian faith disappointed me so much that I wanted to return to the world. I was truly hurt by his actions, and I thought that it was better to return to the world than waste my time in the church. As I pondered on his actions with much pain in my heart, I heard God ask me, “Son, have I ever disappointed you?” I replied, “No.” Afterwards, He comforted me and instructed me not to put my absolute trust in anyone except Him alone because He will never fail me.

No matter how strong your relationship is with some people, human beings are imperfect and may let you down; however, God is completely reliable and trustworthy. He’s the only One you can fully lean on, no matter the situation.

My dear child, you may have been hurt by those you hold in high esteem, and you may have decided to backslide as a result. Please don’t; rather, pour out your heart to God in prayers. Ask Him to take away the pain and help you to put all your trust in Him. Also, pray for those who have hurt you, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:44. I pray that as you put all your trust in God, you will experience His comfort and mighty power, in Jesus’ name.

🌘 CHAPTER FOUR: The Return of the Ghost

Selene woke before dawn.

The estate was quiet, the kind of quiet that comes right before something changes, right before a chapter of life folds itself closed. The early morning air carried a faint chill as she stepped onto the balcony outside her room. Below her, the garden stretched wide and open, bathed in pale silver light.

She had been Aria for most of her life.

She had only been Selene for a few days.

But the new name rested on her shoulders like a cloak woven from strength she hadn’t known she possessed.

Behind her, a soft knock.

“Come in,” Selene said without turning.

Cassandra entered, her footsteps gentle. She carried a sleek black folder — the kind of folder that meant change, decisions, direction. Cassandra’s face was calm, but Selene could see the quiet intensity in her eyes.

“You barely slept,” Cassandra said.

Selene didn’t deny it. “I didn’t want to.”

“Why not?”

Selene inhaled slowly. “Because I think I finally understand what I want.”

Cassandra stood beside her at the balcony railing. “Tell me.”

Selene’s fingers traced the cold metal.

“I want to see the world again. But not as the broken girl who disappeared… nor as the victim who survived.”

She turned to Cassandra.

“I want to see it as the woman I’ve become.”

Cassandra’s expression softened, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “You know that once you leave this place, everything changes.”

Selene nodded. “I’m ready.”

Cassandra handed her the folder.

“Then look.”

Selene opened it.

Inside were pictures.

Documents.

Phone numbers.

Locations.

Faces.

Every page was a piece of the life she left behind  or rather, the world that had moved on without her.

Her mother, grieving.

Her friends, confused.

And Leon.

Leon… smiling at someone who wasn’t her.

Her hand trembled — but not from heartbreak.

From clarity.

“What do you feel?” Cassandra asked.

Selene stared at the photo of Leon.

“Healing,” she whispered. “I feel… healing.”

That answer surprised even herself, but it was true. The ache was still there, but it no longer owned her.

Cassandra exhaled softly. “Then you’re further along than I expected.”

Selene looked up. “Why did you keep all of this for so long?”

“Because you weren’t ready to see it,” Cassandra said simply. “But now you are.”

They walked back inside the room, the sunlight growing behind them.

Cassandra took a seat on the small sofa and gestured for Selene to join her. “There is something you need to decide today.”

Selene sat. “What is it?”

Cassandra folded her hands. “Whether you want to return… or whether you want to disappear forever.”

The words hung between them, heavy and real.

Selene’s throat tightened. “Disappear?”

Cassandra nodded. “You could start a new life. I can give you everything you need — identity, resources, a fresh beginning.”

“And if I return?”

Cassandra’s eyes sharpened.

“Then you must return as Selene. Not Aria.”

Selene’s heart pounded.

Her fingers dug into her knees.

“What would I be walking into?” she whispered.

Cassandra leaned closer.

“The truth. All of it. The answers you never received.”

Selene swallowed.

“The truth about why Leon changed?”

“Yes.”

“And what really happened that night before the river?”

Cassandra’s silence was answer enough.

Selene’s chest tightened not with fear, but with resolve.

“I want the truth,” she said.

Cassandra nodded once. Slowly.

“Then Chapter Four ends here.”

Selene frowned.

“What?”

Cassandra touched her hand gently.

“Because the woman you have been becoming… the one who healed, learned, trained, and rose from her own ashes… she begins her real journey now. Chapter Five is not about rebirth.”

Her voice softened, almost reverent.

“It’s about reclamation.”

Selene’s breath caught.

“What do I have to do?” she whispered.

Cassandra smiled faintly, a smile that held pride, sorrow, and certainty all at once.

“Stand,” she said.

Selene rose.

“Look at me,” Cassandra said.

Their eyes met.

“Who are you now?”

Selene inhaled slowly, deeply a breath heavy with every tear she had shed, every wound she had stitched shut, every version of herself she had buried.

“I am Selene,” she said softly.

“Not the girl who drowned.

Not the girl who begged.

Not the girl who loved blindly.”

Her voice grew steady.

“I am the woman who survived.”

Cassandra nodded.

“Good. Then it’s time to go.”

TO BE CONTINUED.

Signs of life

I heard this once

Why live when we'll die

But should it be the other way around 

Shouldn't we live

Because we'll die

Make the most of this short window

We haven't existed in forever 

And you weren't born that long ago

Enjoy your time here

This 2026 slogan is focuse😎😎 on the muller🎼🎼

‎PROLOGUE

‎The wind clawed at the windows, rattling the cabin like it wanted in. Inside, the single candle flickered, painting long, restless shadows across the room.

‎Grandma Lara sat in her rocking chair, her silver hair pulled back tight, her eyes sharp despite the storm’s dim light. Before her, little Aurora, only eight, sat on a low stool, her legs tucked beneath her blanket as her grandmother brushed through her curls with slow, deliberate strokes.

‎The silence between them felt heavy – almost sacred until Lara’s hand froze mid-motion. Her voice came low, trembling with anger that didn’t belong in the gentle act of brushing a child’s hair.

‎“Promise me you’ll never trust a True Blood Alpha, Aurora.” The little girl looked up, confused by the sudden tension.

‎“Why Grandma?”Lara’s jaw clenched. The candlelight caught her eyes, turning them into mirrors of old pain. “They destroy what they touch,” she whispered.

‎Aurora’ small brows furrowed. “But… Uncle says they’re just stronger wolves, right?” Her grandmother said nothing – only brushed faster, harder, as if she could comb away memories buried too deep to name.

‎When she finally stopped, her lingered on Aurora’s shoulder.“Just promise me,” she murmured again, softer this time.

‎The little omega nodded hesitantly. “I promise.”Lara leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her hair, but her gaze was distant, her soul still trapped in whatever memory had turned her heart to stone.

‎Outside, thunder rolled like a growl through the forest.

‎From the cracked doorway, Rowan – Aurora’s cousin, nine years old, stood watching. His sharp blue eyes, glowed faintly in the dim light – a subtle mark of his True Blood Alpha heritage. He didn’t understand why their grandmother’s words dripped with so much hatred. He only knew they made his cousin flinch.

‎As the candlelight danced across her face, he made a silent promise of his own – that no matter what Grandma said, he would never let Aurora fear what she didn’t understand.

‎Because he was one of them. And one day, she’d find out what that really meant.

‎From that night on, hatred became her inheritance.

‎

The blind woman and the snake episode 3 will be posted today.

That same morning, John and Clarke reported what Kate did to him to the principal of the school. Although John and Kate had an issue that was unexplainable, John decided to frame her. John's father was a politician who cares much for his career than anything. Though he's nonchalant, he secures everything within his reach through power and money. However, when John reached school, he went straight to the principal's office, though he had called his father before he went.  
'Good morning, Mr Tom.' 
'Oh! Good morning, John. Good to see ya this morning.' The principal replied.
'Yeah! Hope you're well, sir?'
'I'm good. Why have you come to meet me this morning? It sounds mysterious and alarming. Hope all is well?'
'Actually, I was just passing by but decided to give you a warm greeting.'
'You sure?' Mr Tom asked.
'Yeah.'
'Awnnnn! This is surprising. Thank you for your concern.'
'Ehmmmm ehm....' John stuttered.
'Are you okay? What's that?' Mr Tom asked.
'Frankly, I wanna seek for your help, and, simultaneously, giving you an offer.'
'I thought so. You of all students would come... no, no! I knew this was coming!'
'May you pls hear me out, sir,' John said.
'Okay, I'm all ears.' Mr Tom replied. 
'There is a girl in this same school. She is causing me troubles. She is a bully.'
'How? A bully? A whole you?' Mr Tom sneered.
'I'm damn serious.'
'Tell me the truth. Have you caused another trouble? You are the one I know as a bully. Your only saviour is your father, orelse you would have....' Mr Tom said.
'I'm serious. When I was going home last week, she stopped me on my way and asked me to give her my wristwatch. I thought she's just an inferior. Oh! No! I was wrong. This girl beat me and collected my wristwatch, which cost $5000.' John replied.
'Wait, waittttt! I thought you were pulling legs. Seriously?' Mr Tom asked.
'Yes, I'm damn serious about it. I didn't really count it as... the funniest thing is that she asked me to bring some money for her this morning, which I failed to. She beat me like...mad! See my face!' John exclaimed.

Mr Tom stood in awe to see John being beaten like puppy. He knew he was a bully on his own. Mr Tom was perplexed about the marks on his face like a handprint. 

'I could not see the marks until you told me now. Jesus! Are you sure she is a girl? How would a girl slap you, and the handprint still shows on your face? This is wonderful!' Mr Tom asked.
'Sure! She is even a junior student.'
'A junior student?' 
'Yes, sir.' John responded. 
'Wait, enough of that! What do you really want?' Mr Tom asked. 
'I want that girl out of this school.' 
'Whatttttt!' Mr Tom exclaimed.
'I don't need the wristwatch again. You can have the wristwatch once she's reprimanded. I know she still wears the wristwatch. I saw it in her wrist recently.' John said.
'Wait!  I can't do that. You have to fight for your right. You are a boy now. C'mon!' Mr Tom said. 
'Before I came here, I called my dad. I explained everything to him. So, he said if you can accept whatever my offer is, you would be rewarded with $10,000.' 

Mr Tom exclaimed, 'Jesus! Are you sure?' He knew if he didn't do it, John's dad would find a way to thrust him out of his position.
'I'm serious. And that will make $15,000 altogether. See? It's a huge offer I brought this time.'

As they were engrossed in the discussion. Mrs Newton entered with three students. 

GUESS WHO?

Resonance is great

A reminder of something that was

Linking up with something great

Something truly powerful 

Crafting reality anew

Giving us a feeling of deja vu

We had been here

But destiny has a funny way of working

It's almost laughable

But that's life 

He sat alone that evening, phone in hand, staring at messages he never sent.

Earlier that day, everything had gone wrong.

Plans failed. Hope felt expensive. Prayer felt heavy.

He wanted to cry, but no tears came.

He wanted to pray, but words refused to form.

So he sat there… and said nothing.

Minutes passed. Then more minutes.

And in that quiet moment, he realized something strange:

Even when he had nothing to say, God hadn’t left.

Silence didn’t mean absence.

Stillness didn’t mean abandonment.

That day didn’t fix his problems.

But it fixed his heart.

Sometimes, the strongest prayer is simply staying.

“Have you ever had a moment where silence said more than words?”

Holding On to Little Joys

I wish they could stay this way

You and I

But alas as the saying goes 

“Nothing lasts forever”

And just like that

With the flipping of a coin 

You changed sides

Leaving me behind in your shadow

What a wonderful gift

If not for you I would never have discovered it

The power within

Once again it's come to this

A decision forced upon me

Take that safe path

They say

That's too risky

They say

But to me that is the best path

There is no safe in the world

Life itself

Can be changed in a second

So knowing that which is truly safe

It was a wrong choice

I see that now

All that time 

All that energy 

Gone

I don't regret it though 

It may have been pointless

But

I enjoyed that time

There was noise all around me

Everyone just pretending 

They were doing something 

But they didn't know what it was

More shocking 

They were comfortable with it

Acting like that had it all together 

I couldn't be the same though

Something felt different 

I could be like them

So I the great chaos

I gained clarity

I must journey alone

Flashback.........As he stood watching the love of his life struggling to choose between love and luxuries, a loud voice suddenly called out from behind "Iggonnnn".........

As he was stylishly cleaning the tears from his face, the footsteps were already near. "How far now?" A lady approached, tapping his shoulder from behind. "Why are you standing here all alone?" She asked. Iggon turned his face only to see Blessing standing beside him with a cheerful smile. 

"How are you Blessing?" He responded in a low tone.

"I'm fine but that's not what matters, I hate seeing a cute guy like you in this kind of condition" she advances. 

"Did your babe broke your heart? You see that is why we always adviced you to keep more than one girlfriend but you wouldn't listen" she added. Iggon stood quiet looking at her.

"Anyways, it's never too late, there are still better options for you only if you're not too blind to see" She blinked romantically.

"For now, goodnight dude" She said as she walked away gently moving her hips side by side, but Iggon did not even move or say a word. His heart was still pounding for Oku. 

Morning broke heavy over Binchi. The cock’s crow sounded harsher than usual, and the air carried the damp smell of dew mixed with sadness.

Oku’s family compound was alive with activity. Her mother tied bundles, her father barked instructions about the bus that would soon pass the main road to Rayfield, and her younger siblings hovered about, half excited and half sorrowful.

Oku sat quietly on a wooden bench, her small bag beside her. She wore a neatly ironed dress, the very one Iggon once teased her about for being “too fine for a village girl.” But now, she didn’t smile at the memory. Her eyes were red from the night’s tears.

Outside, the news had spread already—“Oku is leaving for the city today.” Women at the stream whispered, young boys looked on curiously, and even the elders shook their heads, some saying she was lucky, others murmuring about Iggon.

Iggon himself stood at a distance, his hands buried deep in his pockets. He could not bring himself to walk boldly into the compound, knowing her parents despised him. Yet his heart pulled him closer.

Finally, Oku spotted him near the fence. She rose quickly, ignoring her mother’s scolding voice—“Oku, where are you running to? The bus will not wait for you!”—and hurried toward him.

When she reached him, her eyes brimmed again. “Iggon,” she whispered breathlessly, “it feels like my chest will break.”

He swallowed hard, forcing his trembling hands to hold hers. “So this is it. Today the city takes you from me.”

“No,” she shook her head fiercely. “Not from you. Only from Binchi. You live here—” she tapped his chest, “—not in the ground of Binchi. I carry you with me.”

His lips quivered, but he steadied himself. “Remember our songs, Oku. Remember the mango tree. Remember everything we shared.”

She nodded quickly, clutching his hand tighter. “I will, I will. And you—promise me you’ll never give up on us. Go to the university, make that future you told me about, and come back for me.”

“I promise,” he whispered, his throat thick with unshed tears.

A sharp voice cut through the moment—her father’s. “Oku! The bus is here. Hurry up!”

Her breath hitched. The sound of the approaching vehicle thundered in her ears like doom. She pulled Iggon into a tight embrace, burying her face in his chest. “Don’t forget me, Iggon. Whatever happens, don’t forget me.”

He held her fiercely, his own tears soaking her hair. “Never. You are my only love, Oku.”

The blaring horn broke them apart. With trembling steps, she turned and walked back toward her waiting family. Her mother snatched the bag, ushering her toward the roadside.

Iggon stood rooted to the ground, watching as she climbed into the rattling bus. Their eyes met one last time through the dusty window. Her lips moved soundlessly: “I love you.”

The bus jerked forward. Dust rose. And just like that, Oku was gone, swallowed by the long road to Rayfield.

Iggon remained, staring at the fading trail of dust until the road grew empty. Only then did his knees weaken, and he sank to the ground.

“Sweet love,” he whispered to the silent morning. “At last, you are far from me.”

And for the first time since childhood, Binchi felt unbearably empty.........

The Steps That Creak at Night

It was within my abyss 

I stopped running 

It was time to face you 

I didn't wish to fight you 

I wanted to accept you 

To fill the hole within me 

And you held the key 

It turned out 

There was beauty in that which I feared

When Silence Feels Like Peace

No more heavy voices

no more rushing thoughts

Just the still air

resting on my chest

It doesn’t ask

it doesn’t take

For once

quiet isn’t loneliness

it’s safety

a soft reminder

that I can breathe again.

I am currently in a new relationship due separation from my wife (Divorcing soon).

My new babe and I have shared a lot together financially and all relationship stuff.

I have assisted her when called upon. Recently, she needed to solve a pressing issue but unfortunately, I couldn't assist her due to personal financial constraint.

Hence, she sought for help elsewhere which came eventually. When I asked her who assisted her, it was one of her ex who she refers to as a friend. The point is, I was not against the assistance but was offended when she told me that she doesn't see a need to inform me before seeking for assistance from an ex.

I have noticed that each time I fail meet her needs financially, her disposition towards me changes at least for a day, if not more.Please am I wrong to have questioned her action? I need objective input and she is fan of this page.

If I am 

And I exist 

Then I can be a creator 

And make my own kingdom 

For what is existence 

Without creation 

I shall tame

Caress, love and chestise 

But I always hold it dear 

For I am

And they are 

And we're worthy if existence 

A romance born from a life-saving moment between two people from vastly different worlds. 

The Streetlight Flickering

It started off wholesome 

Laughter at every corner 

Not a worry in the world 

All that mattered was that moment 

But it was the end of the night 

Time to journey alone 

And that's when I noticed it 

Hiding deep in the darkness 

Waiting for its time 

It sent shivers down my spine 

So I was quick 

It never got a chance 

To claim my soul

After I asked the questions, the vendor acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. I knew he probably didn't know that the shoes he sold had black demonic worms and he also didn't know about the 3 dead people following him. But from his facial expression I knew the source of his shoe was questionable.

"I buy them na. This shoes you see are imported directly from Onitsha. What do you mean by I sell dead people shoes to people. Is that why you called me to come here?"

I quickly told him about the man I had seen in the market wearing a white shoe that had black worms and the strong smell that surrounded him as we spoke.

"That same smell is on you. If you do not speak now I will expose you. And I will raise alarm and let everyone on this street know that you sell shoes of the dead to them."

"How do you know they are shoes of the dead? Who will believe that trash?"

He turned the back of the shoes to show me.

"Look at them. They are new shoes. They have never been matched on the floor before? Do dead people wear shoes to their grave?"

I pointed to the three corpses behind him.

"The three shoes you are holding are owned by the three dead spirits standing behind you. Those are not even spirits, those are corpses. It seems as if they emerged from the grave directly and are following you wherever you go. When I collected the shoes from you, they followed me as well because these shoes you sell belongs to them. They have a connection with the shoes. They follow anyone who has this shoes."

He looked around.

Placed the shoes back in the nylon and moved closer to me. His eyes stared me directly in the eyes.

"You are a mad man. You don't know what you are talking about."

I watched him turn and walk away. Instantly, just like zombies the spiritual corpses turned and began to follow him.

I quickly picked my phone and dialed the number of the man I had met at the market. Now that I had confirmed what I wanted to confirm, my major concern was the man whom I saw wearing the white shoe filled with worms at the market. 

He looked like a family man. He looked like one who had a wife and children. I knew he would not be wearing that shoe everyday. And if I remeber clearly, he told me at the market that he had been buying shoes from that vendor. 

Goosbumps filled my body instantly at the thought of it. I began to wonder how many spirits of dead corpses were at his house living with him and his family, because he had the property gotten from dead people.

I needed to save him.

I wasn't sure how exactly, the Vendor got the shoes he sold, but I decided that once I had saved the man and family, I will go after the vendor and this time I will fight him with everything I have and get the police involved.

I spoke with the man and told him I wanted to meet with him urgently. We fixed a meeting for tomorrow. I shall meet him at his house by 10am and I hope for the best.

CHAPTER SEVEN

The meeting was almost too coincidental to question 

Nahla had just stepped out of a small corner store her phone in hand, when she nearly collided with Marcus. He caught her arm instinctively, steadying her before she could stumble. His grip lingered a second longer than necessary

"Oh, sorry" he said, flashing a familiar smile. "Didn't see you there." 

Nahla pulled her arm back gently, her instincts wavered. What are the odds? She wondered. Still, she forced the thought aside, he was Caleb's friend, his roommate, she told herself was overthinking things, again 

"Hey," she replied cautiously, "Marcus, right?"

"Yeah." His eyes softened. "Actually.... I was hoping I'd run into you." 

That alone made her chest tighten 

"Hoping?" she asked. "Why?"

Marcus hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck as if choosing his words carefully. "I, uh.... I need your help."

Her guard went up instantly. "With what?" 

"It's about Caleb." t

The sound of his name made her breath hitch. "what about him?"

Marcus exhaled slowly, his gaze dropping to the pavement. "I don't know how to say this without sounding crazy, but... he's been acting strange lately. Distance, secretive" 

"That doesn't sound like him," Nahla said quickly, almost defensively. 

"I thought so too," Marcus replied. "But then I started noticing patterns, he's been talking about leaving, running away." 

Her brows knit together. "Running away from what?" 

Marcus looked at her then, really looked at her, as if weighing something unseen. "From everything." 

Nahla swallowed, Caleb had never mentioned anything like that to her. But doubts crept in quietly. Maybe he does didn't tell me, maybe I didn't notice 

"I don't know anything about that," she said finally. "He hasn't said a word to me" 

"I figured," Marcus said gently. "That's why I'm worried." s

She hesitated. "So... what are you going to do?"

"I was thinking of calling a few friends. People he trusts. Just to talk to him. Make sure he doesn't do anything reckless." 

"That sounds serious," Nahla murmured. "Is there anything I can do?" 

For a brief moment, so brief she almost missed it, Marcus's lips twitched, a faint, crooked smirk. It vanished as quickly as it appeared. 

"Well," he said, "there is the issue of getting him to show up." 

Nahla didn't hesitate "I can bring him" 

Marcus blinked "Are you sure? I don't want to put you in the middle of this." 

She straightened, confidence filling her voice. "if he's in trouble, I want to help." 

"Alright," Marcus said after I paused. "Thank you, really." 

They exchanged contacts. As they parted ways Nahla walked forward with purpose, her mind racing with concern for Caleb 

Behind her, Marcus turned in the opposite direction, his smell returning, slower this time, darker.

Two days later, Nahla suggested the date. That alone surprised Caleb.

"You planning something?" he asked with a small grin as they met up. 

"Maybe," she said, teasing "You'll see." t

The evening started normal enough talk, laughter, fleeting touches, but as time passed the route they walked began to change. Streets grew quieter, buildings more worn, neon lights faded into flickering street lamps

Caleb slowed. "Nahla.... where are we going?

She smiled nervously. "It is a surprise."

Something in his chest tightened, he scanned their surroundings, senses sharp. This doesn't feel right 

He slipped his hand into his jacket, fingers brushing against cold metal. The gun was still there, loaded, just in case

They finally reached an open field surrounded by damaged buildings, windows shuttered, walls scarred with old graffiti. There was barely any people around, the air felt wrong, heavy 

Before Caleb could speak— 

"Thank you for bringing him." 

Marcus stepped out of the shadows

Caleb froze. "What the hell is this?"

Nahla turned to him quickly. "Marcus told me you were thinking about running away. I just wanted to help—" 

"Running away?" Caleb snapped. "What are you talking about?" 

Marcus chuckled softly. "Come on, Caleb. We both know it's true." 

"That's not—" 

"You tried to leave," Marcus cut in. "Without paying your debt. And worse, you pissed off the wrong person." 

He clapped his hands once "Come out." 

men emerged from the darkness 

One of them made Nahla's blood run cold 

Him 

The man from Club 6

Silas 

Recognition hit instantly, and so did terror 

"Long time," Silas said, his voice smooth and cruel. "I've been looking for you" 

Marcus continued casually, as if explaining something trivial. "Silas here is... important, very important. He was willing to pay a lot of money for you." 

Nahla's stomach dropped. "Marcus..." 

Caleb stared at him in disbelief "You sold me out?" 

"You were leaving anyway," Marcus shrugged. "Business is business." 

The truth crashed down on Nahla like a wave. I brought him here, I did this 

Caleb moved first. The first gunshot cracked the air like thunder. Caleb didn't wait to see who fell he pulled Nahla toward him, his hand tight around hers as they ran

Another shot rang out, close enough that Nahla felt the heat tear past her cheek. She screamed, the sound swallowed by chaos, as bullets slammed into roasted metal and crumbling concrete 

"Don't stop," Caleb shouted. "No matter what, don't stop." 

They dove behind a half collapsed wall just as the barrage of gun fire erupted. Sparks flew where bullets struck stone, the smell of gunpowder flooding the air. 

Caleb leaned out just long enough to fire back, sharp controlled shots, before ducking down again

"Caleb— what happening?" Nahla gasped, her heart hammering so loudly she could barely hear him 

"Marcus lied," he said between breaths. "This was always a setup." 

More shorts rang out. Somewhere in the darkness men shouted, orders being barked, footsteps scattering. The field became a hunting ground, shadows moving with intent

Minutes blurred into something longer 

They ran again when the firearm paused, slipping through narrow alleys between broken buildings. The night air grew colder as time stretched on, sweat cooling against Nahla's skin, her legs burned, lungs screaming, but fear kept her moving

A bullet struck a nearby wall, exploding stone into dust, Caleb shoved her down just as another short rang out, pain tore through his side 

He staggered but refused to fall, dragging Nahla behind a rusted vehicle. He fired again, once, twice, until the gun clicked uselessly in his hand 

"Fuck," he muttered 

The silence afterward was worse 

No gunfire, no shouting 

Just the distant hum of the city and the sound of their breathing 

Time passed strangely after 

They stayed hidden barely moving. Nahla's sense of minutes and hours dissolved into the cold seeping into her bones. At some point, the moon shifted, shadows stretched differently.

Caleb preseed his hand to his wound, blood soaking through his fingers

"You're hurt," Nahla said, her voice shaking 

"I've been worse," he lied 

They moved again when they heard footsteps too close. They crept through debris, ducked behind abandoned structures, always just ahead of being seen.

Gunfire erupted again near midnight 

Short bursts, closer now 

Caleb fired back with his last bullets, buying them time to retreat deeper into the ruins. Somewhere during the exchange, Nahla tripped and fell hard scrapping her palms. Caleb picked her up instantly. I

"I can't lose you," he said. "Not like this." 

Hours dragged on 

The world felt suspended, neither night nor morning. Nahla's body shook from exhaustion shock dulling her thoughts. She barely registered the blood until she felt it, warm against her hands as she held Caleb steady

"Caleb," she whispered. "You are bleeding."

He took her hand squeezing gently despite the pain 

"Stay with me." 

A voice drifted through the ruins, lazy and amused "Come out, come out..... wherever you are." 

Silas. Footsteps followed, he wasn't in a hurry, confident

The sky began to pale at the edges, darkness retreating inch by inch. A faint gray bled into the horizon. Dawn was coming

And with it, the end of the night

CHAPTER EIGHT

Dawn was approaching 

The sky outside the broken buildings had began to thin from black to a dull, uncertain grey, but inside, time felt frozen, suspended between gunfire, blood, and breath. Silas had lost track of them. That alone made him dangerous 

His voice echoed through the hollow concrete halls 

"Check every corner," he barked. "Every room, every shadow. They don't leave this place alive." 

Boots scraped against rubble, doors were kicked open, flashlights cut through dust and darkness like blades. 

Caleb and Nahla are hidden behind a collapse wall on the third floor of one of the abandoned buildings. The air smelled of rust, smoke, and blood, mostly blood. Caleb's blood. 

He was stumped against the wall, his breathing shallow uneven. The bullet wound in his sides had soaked through his clothes, warm and dark against Nahla trembling hands. 

She wanted to help, she needed to help, but there was nothing, no bande, no medicine, no miracle 

Her hands shook uselessly

Caleb reacged for her again, his grip weak but deliberate 

"Nahla," he said quietly 

She leaned closer, afraid that if she didn't, his voice would stop

"I need to tell you something..... Something important." 

Her throat tightened. "Don't... don't talk like that." 

He smiled faintly. "I didn't tell you the truth before, about running away." 

Her heart stuttered 

"The truth is.... I wanted to ask you to marry me." He let out a breath that was almost a laugh. "I thought we'd disappeared together, somewhere far." 

Her eyes widened, filling instantly with tears. Joy and devastation collided inside her chest. The future he was describing was beautiful and unreachable. 

She wanted to scream at the world for being cruel enough to show her heaven while dragging him to hell. 

Caleb chuckled again, shaking his head. "Guess that's not happening now." 

"Don't say that" she whispered. "Please." 

"I deserve this," he said softly. "I wasn't innocent, Nahla. I sold drugs, I knew what I was doing. Maybe this is karma catching up." 

Even now, bleeding and haunted, he laughed, dry almost amused. The strength of it stunned her.

"I brought you into this," he continued. "I'm sorry"

She shook her head violently, tears spilling down her face. "No, this ys my fault, if I hadn't listened to Marcus, if I hadn't brought you here—" 

"Stop," he said firmly, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Don't do that to yourself. You didn't know, there was no way you could have known." 

His voice softened. "If I'd told you the truth from the start..... maybe things would have been different." 

He took a shaky breath.

"And Nahla—" 

Footsteps, close now 

A man's shadow moved past the doorway 

Caleb stiffened, one of Silas's men. Caleb reached for his gun, even though he knew he has no bullets left. 

"Run," he whispered. "When I move you run." 

"No," she cried quietly. "If you die here, I die here." 

He shook his head, eyes fierce despite the pain. "There are people who love you. People who would be broken if you died." 

"And you?" She asked. "You think no one would miss you? I would, I'd miss you everyday." 

That broke him. He pulled her closer and kissed her, not desperate but full of devastation 

"When I run," he said against her lips, "you leave, promise me." 

She sobbed, nodded. "I promised." 

"Stay alive," he whispered. "If you love me, do that." 

He pulled away and stood, steadying himself against the walls. He thought of her smile, her love, the quiet moments that feel like peace.

 Then— 

Police sirens. Distant at first, then unmistakable. 

Silas cursed loudly. "Fuck! This isn't over Caleb. I'll find you, and I will kill you." 

And just like that they retreated, shadows disappearing into the coming morning. 

Caleb collapsed. Nahla caught him, screaming his name.

"We're okay," she cried. "We're okay now, I'll get help, we'll run away—" 

But fate was done pretending to be kind 

He was losing too much blood 

He smiled weakly. "I'm glad..... you're safe."

"Please," she begged. "Don't leave me." 

"Go home," he said. "Your father— he loves you. He was trying to protect you."

"It felt like a prison," she whispered 

"Sometimes protecting feels like chains," he said. "But it still comes from love."  

He cupped her face gently. "I love you" 

"I love you too," she sobbed

"Go, don't watch this." He said

She kissed him one last time, slow and run. She didn't look back. She couldn't 

Caleb watched the sky brighten through shattered windows and smiled as the sun began to rise

He watched the sun rise, not with hope, but with a cynical understanding that the new day brought only a fresh set of transactions: the price of freedom demanded by the old order, the silent agreement to bury one's own education, and the lingering ache of a heartbreak that proved only one thing that some debts are only fully settled when they are paid in blood.

Then his eyes closed. 

Nahla ran 

She didn't know how long she ran, only that her legs kept moving long after her lungs began to burn. Every step felt unreal, like she was moving through someone else's body, someone else's life 

She did not cry out first, she was still in shock and didn't want to acc6what had just happened 

Caleb's voice still echoed in her ears. His warmth still clung to her skin. If she stopped moving she feared she would turn around, and if she turned around, she would never leave 

So she walked, she wondered how many people walked past death every day without knowing it 

Her phone was gone, she couldn't remember when she lost it, whether it's still during the chaos or was left behind when she ran. It didn't matter, nothing did. The city felt suddenly hostile every corner reminding her about how easily life could be taken 

By the time she reached Rhea's house the sun was fully up

She stopped at the gate and stared at it for a long time, wondering if she belonged anywhere anymore. Her hands shook as she pushed it open 

Rhea answered the door almost immediately have face tight with worry. 

"Nahla—" that was only took. The moment she saw Rhea, the last of her strength to collapsed. She fell into her arms, sobbing violently.

Her body shook with grief that had been waiting patiently for permission to exist. Rhea made her sit, made her drink water. Asked questions carefully, as if Nahla might break apart completely if pushed too hard

And slowly, painfully Nahla told her everything. About Marcus, about Silas, about the gunfire, about Caleb 

 Rhea cried quietly covering her mouth, shaking her head in this belief. She didn't say I told you so, she didn't say I wanrned you, she only pulled Nahla close again. 

When the tears finally slowed, Nahla spoke "I have to go home" 

Rhea looked at her, she saw it then, acceptance 

She nodded 

The packed in silence. Not much needed packing, Nahla had come with little and would leave with even less. 

Every folded shirt felt like the closing of a chapter she never fully understand while living it 

At the door, they hugged for a long time 

"I'm glad you are alive," Rhea whispered 

"So am I" Nahla replied thoough she wasn't sure if she meant it yet 

The journey home felt longer than the run from the night before 

Every step toward her parents house felt heavier than the last. Her mind filled with possibilities anger, punishment, rejection, disappointment. 

She imagined her father's face, her mother's silence, the weight of being seen again 

By the time she reached the house, she stopped. 

The door stood before her unchanged, unaware of what had died just to bring her back to it 

She stood there longer than she meant to 

Then she remembered Caleb's voice 

Stay alive 

She took a breath and knocked

We're all alone

No like you're thinking

But we are alone

There maybe be people around us

But they don't matter

Cause at the end of the day

Whwn it all comes down

Only you care about you

It was sealed shut

I was terrified

And it brought a friend

Fear

I was accused 

Even though I was innocent 

But to use my voice

Meant death 

And I feared death

I wanted to live

Not like this though

Now I'm trapped

When Silence Feels Too Loud

The room was empty

But it didn’t feel that way

The walls pressed in

Like they carried voices I couldn’t hear

I tried to rest my mind

But the quiet kept screaming

Every tick of the clock

Felt like thunder in my chest

I closed my eyes

Hoping to drown it out

But even in the dark

The silence stayed, shouting my name

I wanted peace

But got echoes instead

And sometimes

That’s the heaviest sound of all

Some have feasts,

But have no meals

Some have needs,

But have no seeds

Some want men

But found mess

Men that mean well

But have no men,

are alone on their own

But he that has men

Is merry all his life,

not because all is well 

But because men share it all.

You were right there

But too far for me to reach out to.

There was only an inch separating us

Yet it felt like a thousand metres.

MY BEST DAY 7

The following morning,we had our morning devotion,the children tidied up their house,we also swept our compound. 

Grandma told us that we would plant vegetables in the little portion of the land we had at back of the house. My father agreed unequivocally because the land belongs to him. He cut the grasses and made few moulds. Grandma was happy. She and her grandchildren planted maize and vegetables. I and my sister enjoyed the exercise. Later,we took our bath,ate our lunch and settled down for grandma's story. Grandma told us to read our books and get ready for the story at night. We complied to grandma's instructions.

After the dinner, grandma gathered us together and we sat quietly in preparation for grandma's story.

Story, story 

Story,we responded happily 

My first story is about the chameleon and the tortoise.

One day the tortoise went to the chameleon and told him that he would have some visitors. He pleaded with him to help him cook for the visitors. The chameleon agreed, the tortoise told him that he would beat his drum to inform him about the arrival of the visitors,then he would bring the food.

When the visitors arrived, the tortoise went outside and beat the drum,kpam kpam kpam tem tem tem,. When the chameleon heard the beating of the drum,he knew that the visitors had arrived. The tortoise told the chameleon that his visitors had arrived but the chameleon told him that he was still cooking. The tortoise did not that the chameleon was deceiving him. So he decided to wait more. Later he asked the chameleon and the food but chameleon told him that he was still cooking.

Later, the tortoise found out that the chameleon had finished cooking and that he had eaten up all the food. The tortoise was bewildered. He cried but it was too late for him. He was so hungry that he could not sleep that night. Then,he remembered that there was a forest that was occupied by spirits. He decided to visit the dreaded forest but his wife dissuaded him but the tortoise paid deaf ears to his wife's admonition. When he got there,he saw a fierce spirit that had two heads. The spirit wanted to kill tortoise but the tortoise pleaded for leniency. The spirit allowed him to enter their domain. Then, they served the tortoise food . The tortoise did not know that it was poisoned. When he got home,he told his wife all that had happened. His wife told him that she had been searching for food but had not found any. They were still discussing when the tortoise started vomiting profusely. His wife was startled. She was so dumbfounded that she almost fainted. It was not long the tortoise kicked his bucket.

It is a pity,he wouldn't have died,if he had listened to his wife,my sister said in low tones. Yes you are right, that counsel would have saved his life but he refused. He was impatient.

He forgot that the patient dog eat the fattest bone, i added. 

Well done, this means that you listened very attentively, grandma said.

Now my second is about the eagle and the hen. One day,a young eagle started going about haunting for food,he meet a little duck,he carried it and flew away. The mother of the duck just looked up and kept mute, when the eagle arrived, his mother welcomed him with open arms and said, what did the mother of the duck say when you carried away the baby?

She said nothing 

The mother eagle shook her Head and said.

No,no, no,we will not eat it. The mother's silence is suspicious,so take the little duck back to the mother. 

The eagle complied to her mother's injunctions. The following day,he started going out in search of food. He saw a hen that had four children,all of them were going about in search of food. Then the eagle carried one of the chickens. The hen ran after the eagle cursing and abusing him.

When the eagle arrived,he told his mother all that had happened. His mother was happy. That's right the bird is good for food.the mother eagle said happily. So they settled down and ate the meat. 

This is the end of my story, grandma said with a warm smile.

Well done grandma, God bless you ma,we said happily.

Beyond life and death

Living and stillness

Basically just existing

A walking husk

Moving through time and space 

Running from purpose

The desire to just be

Without being

The old temples of worship 

If you listen closely 

You can still hear them

The worshipers praying

Seeking salvation 

Their faith shines through

Protecting their sanctuary 

Preserving the holiness 

The Body I Never Escaped 

People always want to change 

I never understood why

Was it hate?

Shame? Disappointment?

I never new

I thought

Instead of changing 

Why not just become better

It was a weird way of thinking 

And I knew it

So I kept it to myself

But I did it to myself

Now they look and ask how I did it

How I changed 

But I didn't change I just grew

TAINTED BLOODLINE 

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rhett sprinted down the stairs, gripping the document tightly as he checked his wristwatch repeatedly. His breath was steady but he knew he didn’t have much time.

Come on, come on…he muttered under his breath, urging the copy machine to work faster as he placed the papers in. The moment the fresh copies slid out, he snatched them up and took off, climbing two steps at a time.

Each step felt heavier, his muscles burning as if he were scaling Mount Everest. His once crisp shirt now clung to his back, damp with sweat. His polished shoes felt like lead but he refused to slow down.

You can’t give up now, Rhett. Just a few more steps.

Aurora, comfortably seated in her office, observed the whole thing through the security feed on her laptop. Her sharp eyes followed Rhett’s every move as the young alpha pushed through.

“Let’s see how long that patience lasts,” Aurora thought, smirking.

Finally, Rhett reached the 11th floor, practically stumbling onto solid ground.

His chest heaved as he wiped his sweat drenched face with his sleeve. Betty, who had been watching from her desk, frowned in concern.

“Rhett, are you okay?” she asked softly.

He barely managed a nod before knocking on Aurora’s door.

“Come in,” Aurora soft voice called out.

Rhett stepped inside, face glistening as if he had just stepped out of a shower. His breath was still uneven, but his expression remained composed.

Aurora, expected a complaint or an excuse, as she leaned back in her chair. She assumed he would use someone else’s ID to enter the elevator but instead, the alpha stood before her, as he handed her the copies of the document.

“Ma’am, your 15 copies,” Rhett said, his voice calm.

Aurora collected them, but her gaze lingered and her nose scrunched. “Why are you so sweaty? Ran a marathon or something?” she asked, pretending like she didn’t just watched Rhett run himself out.

Rhett wiped his face. “Just a little issue with the elevator, ma’am,” he simply replied. No complaint – just a straightforward answer.

To push him further, she suddenly frowned, pulling out another document. “Oh!” she said feigning realization. “I gave you just one document. You were supposed to make another 15 copies of this one along with the one I gave you earlier.”

Rhett stiffened slightly.

Aurora smoothly passed him the document. “Can you get 15 copies of this one too?”

She watched closely, waiting for him to blow up. She wanted to see the moment frustration would take over him but he didn’t let happen.

His fingers tightened around the new document. His brows twitched slightly, his body still recovering from the previous marathon. Aurora had expected and outburst, or a sigh, or even a flash of resistance.

But instead, Rhett closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and nodded.“Sure, sir. I’ll be back quickly,” he said with quiet determination before leaving.

Aurora’s jaw almost dropped.

What? He’s actually going again?

She watched through her laptop, as Rhett, still damp, made a sharp turn and sprinted toward the stairwell. No hesitation – just pure determination.

He’s insane, Aurora thought.

*****

Rhett followed the same exhausting routine, dashing through the stairs once again, his legs already burning from the previous trip. As he reached the second floor, he hesitated for a second, glancing toward the elevator.

Maybe I should try swiping my card one more time…just in case.

Muttering a quick prayer under his breath, he pulled out his ID again and tapped it against the access panel but nothing happened. The red light blinked at him in denial.

Rhett sighed, shaking his head. Determined not to waste more time, he took off up the stairs again. His new clothes stuck uncomfortably to his damp skin, his hair clinging to his forehead. Yet, he remained careful not to smudge the copies.

By the time he reached the 11th floor, he was breathing heavily. He wiped the sweat from his brow, straightened his posture, and walked into the office like he didn’t just do sprints up and down the stairs.

“Ma’am, your new copies,” Rhett said, his voice steady despite the exhaustion.

Aurora glanced at her wrist watch. He was 3 minutes early.

Her fingers tightened slightly on the papers as she took them from him, her mind reeling with questions.

How?

She had expected Rhett to slow down, maybe showed frustration or even rested but instead, the true blood alpha stood his ground.

Aurora cleared her throat. “Ok, thanks. You may leave now,” she said, her voice neutral but her mind reeling.

Rhett bowed slightly before turning to leave but as he did, his legs buckled a bit, nearly tripping him. His foot throbbed from the sprints he did and without he rested his back on the nearest wall outside the office.

His feet hurt – badly.His once pristine outfit now clung to his body, the fabric damp and uncomfortable. But more than the physical exhaustion, something nagged at his mind.

Was it all… intentional?

For a moment, the thought crossed his mind but he quickly shook it away.

Dismissing the thought, Rhett pushed himself off the wall and made his way to Betty’s desk, limping slightly as he approached.

“Miss Betty,” he said, his voice polite but weary, “The elevator is acting up and I can’t access it. Can someone help?”

Betty blinked at him, concern flickering across her face. But before she could reply, her telephone rang.

She quickly picked up.

“Betty, give him back the access,” Aurora ordered from the other end.

Betty’s lips parted in surprise, but she masked it quickly. “Okay, ma’am.”

Hanging up, she turned to Rhett with a hesitant smile. “Sure, I can check for you. Give me some time and I’ll get back to you.”

Rhett nodded. “Thanks, Miss Betty.”

Still aching, he made his way to the kitchen, leaning against the countertop. He flexed his fingers a bit, from tightly gripping the document earlier.

Fate keeps testing me, he thought bitterly with an exasperated sigh.

“Rhett?” Betty’s voice called from behind him. He straightened up, masking his discomfort. “Yeah?”

She hesitated before finally saying, “Your access has been restored. There was a technical issue, I’m sorry.”

Rhett’s face lit up with relief. “Really? That’s great! Thanks and don’t worry about it, Miss Betty.”

Betty forced a smile. “Oh, it’s nothing.”

But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling guilt settling in her stomach.

*****

Aurora leaned back on her chair, fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk as she stared at the stack of documents before her – her mind drifting elsewhere.

Rhett Ashbourne.

No matter how much she tried to focus, the young alpha’s unwavering attitude gnawed at her.

For goddess sake, even an omega would lose their temper –talk more of a true blood alpha. Running up and down eleven flights of stairs –twice? Not one complaint?

Is this guy for real or his he putting up an act to save his job? She thought.

“I’ll let him be for today, but that doesn’t mean I’m done testing him. It’s just the beginning,” she muttered. A smirk curled up her lips as new idea crossed her mind, her eyes flickering in amusement. After all she couldn’t afford to lose to her cousin, Rowan.

*****

That evening, Aurora called Rhett to her office again. The air was a bit chilly, filled with a faint scent of expensive perfume and freshly brewed coffee. “Rhett, I want you to clean my office every day from now on and make sure it is absolutely spotless. No clutter or dirt. Understood?” Her voice firm with quiet authority.

Rhett nodded immediately. “Yes, ma’am.”

Aurora dismissed him with a weak flicker, not looking up at him. “Hmm. Leave.”

The flicker was weak and it made him feel insulted and small like a servant, not an employee. But he didn’t react to it. What she didn’t know is that he had endured way worse. All she was doing was nothing compared to stepmother’s disdain for him.

Bowing slightly, he walked out without another word.

The pain in his feet had become a dull throb, but he ignored it as he continued his errands. His new shoes, once a source of pride, had betrayed him – causing more painful blisters as he did more deliveries and pickups, each one heavier than the last.

By the time he had clocked out and reached the bus stop, his limbs felt like lead. The city’s lights blurred his tired eyes as he stepped into the crowded bus. His body begged to rest as he sat down on a seat, but just as he settled, he saw a senior citizen stepping inside – struggling to hold onto the railing.

Rhett didn’t think twice. He quickly stood up, offering the seat with a polite smile.

By the time he reached home, the world was silent. The lights were dim and everyone was already asleep.

He let out a quiet sigh as he closed the door. He sat on the nearest couch and with a wince, he slipped off his shoes and damp socks. Blisters, swollen toes, bruises across his skin like a painful reminder of his day.

Ignoring the pain, he limped towards his bedroom and collapsed on his bed. A wave of exhaustion crashed over him as his body hit the sheets, but sleep didn’t come immediately.

Instead, an ache settled in his chest. He turned onto his side, staring up at the ceiling, his eyes teary.

And for a long time since his mom died, he whispered in his empty room, “Mom, I miss you.”

With that he closed his eyes, his body surrendering to sleep.

A single tear slipping down his cheeks.

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