Bound: A Supernatural Story ✔️

The dim glow of gas lamps cast long shadows across the worn wooden bar, a familiar comfort on a Friday night.

Holly sat nursing her drink, the low hum of chatter and clinking glasses a dull backdrop to her restless mind. She watched the doorway, a habit born from a deep, unshakeable premonition that something was coming.

Francis, a drunken frat boy, nudged her, his slurred words a momentary distraction from the gnawing anxiety that had been her constant companion since that night, years ago, when the screams had echoed.

She managed a fake smile, the memories of her parents a sharp, silent ache. After dismissing Francis, a slight, almost imperceptible flick of her wrist sent his bottle tumbling, a small act of magic she barely registered. Randy, the bartender, brought her a fresh drink, his gruff kindness a small comfort.

Her gaze drifted back to the entrance, catching the arrival of two men. A jolt, a prickle of recognition, went through her. They were familiar, yet she couldn't place them. Her instincts screamed.

As they walked past, their presence a cold ripple in the air, Holly held her breath, willing herself to be invisible. She felt them fade, their immediate threat seemingly averted.

Letting out a slow exhale, she realized with chilling clarity: this was it. This was what she had been waiting for.