“What are you doing?” Grayson demanded coldly.

“I got thirsty. I thought this was the kitchen,” I lied, looking up at him innocently, but trembling slightly in fear. He took no notice of this and instead smiled in what seemed like relief.

“Oh! It’s over here, come on,” he led me to the kitchen, where he poured me an ice-cold glass of water. I sipped it slowly, watching Grayson cautiously. He didn’t seem to be angry. Maybe he believed my lie? He seemed happy to just be there with me, which seemed a bit strange. We went back to the room after that, and I couldn’t help but stay awake. I couldn’t stop thinking about why he wouldn’t want me to go into that room. He seemed so stiff before I lied to him…

In the early morning, he left the room for some unknown reason. I pretended to be asleep, so he wouldn’t see that I hadn’t slept all night. As soon as I heard the front door’s lock click loudly, I jumped out of bed. I ran to the mysterious room and tried the door, only to find that it was locked! I let out a small grunt of frustration. I have to know what’s in there! I went back into his room and sat down on the edge of the bed.

Just then, I heard a faint buzzing sound. I looked around and noticed that there was a phone hidden in between a couple of books. I turned it on and saw a couple of texts, none of them opened, but all from the same person: Jayden. I was taken aback. Didn’t Grayson say that Jayden was a stalker?

Based off the texts, it seems that Kiara was kidnapped by someone. Maybe Grayson found her phone? Highly unlikely. I felt a sneaking suspicion that something was impossibly wrong. I thought for a minute and decided to text Jayden. Maybe Grayson has been lying to me, but why would he do that? What’s the point of all of this? Jayden responded almost instantly, the vibration of the phone catching me off guard and causing me to jump.

Me: Hello?

J: Who is this?

Me: Kaylie, I think?

J: You THINK?

Me: I don't know. 

Me: Do you know Grayson?

J: Yes. That's not the best thing right now.

Me: He told me he's my boyfriend. I think he might be lying. Also...

J: What?

Me: Do you know of anything that smells sickly sweet and kind of metallic?

J: Yes...

Me: Well... What is it?

J: ...

J: Blood...

I suddenly felt incredibly terrified. Horror spread through my chest and left me feeling horribly cold.

Me: I need your help.

J: ?

Me: There's a room he doesn't want me going into...

J: Want help sneaking in?

Me: Yep.

J: What's something he always has with him?

Me: I don't know... I've only known him for a bit.

I heard the door slam open and felt dread settle in my heart.

J: Figure it out.

Grayson began turn the door to his room and I hid the phone inside a drawer at his bedside. He looked at me quizzically as I hovered over his bedside awkwardly.

"I just woke up," I lied.

"Late sleeper?" he asked. I nodded, avoiding his eyes guiltily. "Alright," he stated, grinning at me.