Melody of darkness

Aisha had hidden herself on the rooftop of one of the buildings, feeling the cold wind pierce through her thin jacket. The panorama of the city at night, with its twinkling lights and bustling streets below, seemed distant and unreal. She understood that she couldn’t stay here for long, but she needed a moment to catch her breath and plan her next move. The silence of the rooftop was broken by the sound of tiny footsteps scratching against the roofing felt and the soft rustle of wings. Aisha tensed, instinctively preparing for a fight. She turned around to find a small black bird perched on the edge of the parapet. But this was no ordinary bird. Instead of the usual eyes, it had six tiny, gleaming beads arranged in a row, and on its tiny head sat a miniature hat, as if it were ready for a formal evening. Aisha squinted, recognizing the familiar creature—a familiar, most likely sent by Jinu. Before she could react, something soft and large leaped onto her back, knocking her to the ground. Startled, she rolled over, trying to free herself. Above her loomed a massive, fluffy face. It was a tiger, but not just any tiger. Its fur shimmered in shades of blue, like the night sky streaked with fine lines, and its large amber eyes pierced straight into her soul, cutting through the armor of her despair. She recognized Jino, Jinu’s familiar, the giant cat that often accompanied the idol. -I’m so glad to see you, buddy,-Aisha murmured, trying to catch her breath. She wriggled out from beneath the tiger, who seemed to have jumped on her more for a hug than an attack. She missed his soft fur and warm breath. -Is Jinu nearby? Is that why you’re here? -she asked, realizing that familiars didn’t just appear without reason. Their presence meant she was being watched, that Jinu wasn’t going to let her go. The bird and the tiger shook their heads in unison, as if answering her unspoken fears. Aisha exhaled, feeling the tension ease slightly. She placed her hand on the silky fur of the tiger, soaking in its warmth. He was so plump and cute, nothing like a bloodthirsty demon. -I’m sorry for disappearing like that, but I had no choice,- she said, looking at the familiars. - I… I’m not a demon. Not entirely. The bird rolled its six eyes, expressing clear disbelief. Aisha smirked. She didn’t believe what she was saying either. -I’m sorry, but I need to go. I can’t stay here for long, -Aisha said, gathering her strength to continue on her path. But then Jino, pawing at the ground, opened his mouth and revealed a neatly folded note on his tongue. Aisha sighed, realizing that her attempts to escape were futile. She took the letter and unfolded it. The handwriting was beautiful, with delicate, graceful lines, as if penned by a calligrapher. -Shall we meet? I have something to tell you. -No, I won’t meet with them, -Aisha said firmly, turning away from the familiars. -I’m human, and that’s all. You don’t need anything from me. Aisha pressed her lips together, trying to suppress the tremor in her voice. But then a thought struck her. What if she did meet with Jinu? What if she could negotiate her freedom? What if she could find out why Gi-ma wanted her so badly? -Return the voice,- she realized. Gi-ma was searching for her only because of her voice. Because of the power he had given her. He had entrusted her with a part of himself. How could she betray that trust? -Wretch,- she scolded herself mentally. -Very well,- Aisha said, turning back to the familiars. -But may I ask you for one last favor? Please. The bird nodded its tiny hat and smiled slightly, lifting the corners of its beak. As if on cue, the bird flitted to the tiger’s head and, spreading its tiny black wings, sat upright. He snorted, lowered his head, and stepped forward into the void. In an instant, they both vanished, as if they had fallen through an invisible veil, leaving behind only a faint scent of sulfur. Aisha stood frozen at the edge of the rooftop, staring at the spot where the familiars had just been. She knew it was a portal created by demonic magic. Slowly, cautiously, she approached the edge and peered down. Nothing but darkness awaited her. The girl nodded to herself, taking a deep breath and resolutely stepping over the edge. The world flipped upside down, and she fell into the abyss, feeling the wind whistle in her ears. For a moment, it seemed as if she was plunging into an endless void, but then she felt solid ground beneath her feet. She found herself in a narrow, gloomy alley, illuminated only by the dim light of a solitary streetlamp. It was quiet and deserted here, as if this corner of the city had been forgotten by everyone. At the end of the alley, she spotted a vague silhouette of a guy standing with his back to her. His figure seemed familiar. Aisha cautiously moved forward, creeping like a predator stalking its prey. She hoped it was Jinu, but something about this silhouette felt wrong. Too relaxed a posture, too… self-satisfied. As she drew closer, she was able to discern his face. Instead of Jinu, it was Baby. His thin lips stretched into a predatory grin, and his eyes glowed with a sinister spark in the half-light. Aisha recoiled instinctively, sensing danger. It was a trap. She had fallen into his game. -What are you doing here? Where’s Jinu?- she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though her heart raced wildly in her chest. Baby tilted his head slightly, examining her as if she were a curious insect. -Jinu? He’s… busy, - he replied, his voice soft and deceptive, like the whisper of the wind. -But don’t worry, I’m here to talk. He stepped forward, and Aisha involuntarily retreated, pressing her back against the cold wall of the building. She felt cornered, like a mouse in the claws of a cat. -We have nothing to talk about,- she snapped, trying to mask her fear. Baby laughed, a short, malicious sound. -Oh, I assure you, we do,- he whispered, closing the distance between them. -We have much to discuss. About your future. Aisha pressed her back against the rough wall, feeling the bricks dig into her skin. It felt like she was trapped in a nightmare with no way out. -What future? -she spat, struggling to maintain some semblance of composure. -In Gi-ma’s gilded cage? No, thank you. I choose freedom. Baby smirked. -Freedom? - he echoed, as if tasting the word. -Do you really believe you have a choice? You are Gi-ma’s property. Part of his… project. Sooner or later, you will return to him. The only question is whether it will be of your own volition or not. -I am not an object, -Aisha hissed, clenching her fists. -And I won’t return. Baby paused for a second, then his lips curled into a smile once more. -What a stubborn girl,- he murmured, shaking his head. -You really don’t like the prospect of becoming Gi-ma’s favorite again? Just imagine: power, wealth, everything you desire. And all for just a little… singing. He paused, watching Aisha expectantly. -By the way, about singing, -he continued, narrowing his eyes. -You haven’t sung at all since you ran away. Afraid you’ll attract attention? Or… that your voice will refuse to serve you? Aisha felt nausea rise in her throat. He was toying with her like a cat with a mouse. He knew that her voice was her greatest vulnerability. -That’s none of your business- she shot back, trying not to reveal her anxiety. Baby stepped closer again, reducing the distance between them to a minimum. His breath scorched her face. -I’m very interested in everything that concerns you,-he whispered, his voice deceptively sweet. -You’re special, Aisha. You’re one of a kind. And I want to know what lies beneath that defiant mask. -There’s nothing beneath it,- she replied, staring him straight in the eye. -Only hatred for you and everyone who works for Gi-ma. Baby laughed, and there was nothing joyful in that laughter. -Hate? What a powerful emotion,- he said, stroking her cheek with his finger. Aisha flinched, turning away from his touch. -But you know what they say? From hate to love is just one step. -Not in my case, -she hissed. -For you, I have only contempt. -Perhaps, -Baby shrugged, as if her words meant nothing to him. -But time will tell. In the meantime… think about my offer. Return to Gi-ma. And all your problems will disappear. He stepped back from her, leaving Aisha alone in the dark alley. -Oh, and one more thing,- he tossed over his shoulder before disappearing into the shadows. -Jinu will be very upset to learn that you preferred my company. And with those words, Baby vanished into the darkness, leaving Aisha alone with her fears and doubts. And with the feeling that the game had only just begun. Mini-Scene Baby flopped onto the bed in his luxurious yet lifeless room, expressing a universal sorrow. His usually impeccable makeup had smudged slightly, and his perfect hairstyle was tousled. He looked like a sad angel washed ashore. Mistery, one of his friends, appeared beside him, wearing the same expression of feigned concern on his face. -What happened, Baby?- Mistery asked, trying to infuse his voice with a tone of sincere sympathy. -You look… upset. Baby raised his tear-streaked eyes to him. At the bottom of those eyes swirled a whole tragedy of unrecognized genius. -She won’t accept me,- he whispered, his voice trembling. -She hates me! What have I done to her? I just wanted to… talk! Mistery sighed. Aisha had clearly struck a nerve. -Don’t be so upset, Baby,- Mistery said, pulling a small bottle with a nipple from under the pillow. -Here, drink this. You’ll feel better. Baby gratefully accepted the bottle and eagerly latched onto the nipple, blissfully closing his eyes. The liquid inside was warm and sweet, with a hint of vanilla and caramel. It was his favorite remedy for all woes. -Oh, thank you, Mistery, -Baby mumbled between sips. -You always know how to comfort me. Mistery merely bowed slightly, trying to hide his smirk. He knew that despite Baby’s demonic nature and sadistic tendencies, deep down, he remained a small, spoiled child in need of attention and comfort. And he skillfully exploited that weakness for his own purposes. Once the bottle was empty, Baby perked up a bit. He wiped the tears from his eyes and looked at Mistery. -Alright, -he said, confidence returning to his voice. -Aisha thinks she can ignore me? I’ll show her she’s mistaken. I’ll make her love me! Or… I’ll destroy her. Mistery nodded, knowing better than to argue with Baby. He was already looking forward to the new intrigues and entertainments that lay ahead.