WHISPERS IN THE DARK
The glow of the laptop screen bathed Ebimene's face in pale blue light as she scanned through lines of data, her fingers flying across the keyboard. The numbers and patterns on the screen were complex, a deep dive into market trends and security systems. Her eyes burned from the hours she had spent poring over financial reports and advanced hacking scripts. She knew she needed rest, but the hunger for knowledge gnawed at her, pushing her forward.
A soft chime interrupted her thoughts. A message from Ebi-Adein flashed on her phone's screen:
"You're still up, aren't you? Rest, Ebimene. You're no good to yourself if you burn out."
She sighed, rubbing her temples. Ebi-Adein was right. She had barely eaten, barely moved, lost in the storm of her ambitions. Forcing herself to close the laptop, she grabbed her coat and stepped outside, deciding a short walk would help clear her mind.
The air was crisp, tinged with the faint scent of rain. The streets were nearly empty, save for the distant hum of traffic and the occasional flicker of a streetlamp. Her boots clicked against the pavement as she moved, each step echoing through the quiet night.
Then, she felt it.
A presence.
Subtle at first, like a whisper in the wind, but soon undeniable. Someone was watching her.
Her heartbeat quickened, instincts sharpening. She slowed her pace, subtly glancing at the reflections in a nearby shop window. A shadow lurked at the edge of the dim light—a tall figure in a long coat, moving in sync with her, maintaining a deliberate distance.
Ebimene exhaled through her nose, keeping her composure. It could be a coincidence. Or it could be something else entirely.
She made a sharp turn into an alleyway, stepping into the shadows. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she pressed her back against the cold brick wall, waiting. Seconds stretched into an eternity.
Then, footsteps.
Measured. Unhurried.
She could make out the silhouette now—a man, tall and composed, his presence almost unnervingly calm. He didn't speak immediately. Instead, he studied her, as if assessing something unseen.
"You have sharp instincts," he finally said, his voice smooth, devoid of emotion. "That will serve you well."
Ebimene's muscles tensed. "Who are you?"
The man tilted his head slightly, the corner of his lips lifting in what could have been amusement. "Not your enemy. Not yet."
A shiver ran down her spine, but she kept her face neutral. She wasn't the same helpless girl from years ago. "Then why are you following me?"
The stranger took a single step forward, just enough for the dim light to cast a faint glow over his face. His features were sharp, his dark eyes unreadable. "You've begun asking the right questions. That makes you interesting to certain people."
Ebimene clenched her fists. "What people?"
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You'll figure it out soon enough. But a word of advice—don't let your curiosity outrun your caution."
Then, as if the night itself swallowed him whole, he stepped back, disappearing into the shadows before she could react.
A rush of cold fear and frustration washed over her. Who was he? And how much did he know?
She forced herself to breathe, calming the storm within her. This wasn't the time to panic. She needed to be smarter, stronger. More prepared.
---
Back at her apartment, Ebimene wasted no time. She powered her laptop back on, fingers typing furiously. If someone was watching her, she needed to watch them first. Her mind raced, connecting dots she hadn't even realized were there before. Could this have something to do with her parents? The thought sent a sharp pang through her chest.
She had spent years avoiding the past, convinced that she was powerless. But the encounter tonight had changed something. It wasn't just about survival anymore.
It was about answers.
And revenge.
---
The following days were a blur of calculated planning. She delved deeper into her hacking training, pushing herself to the limits. She studied encryption, data breaches, the inner workings of high-level security firms. Her mind became a battlefield of codes and firewalls, her skills sharpening into a weapon she was ready to wield.
Ebi-Adein noticed the shift. "You've been distant," she remarked one evening over dinner.
Ebimene hesitated, debating whether to share the encounter. But something in her gut told her to keep it to herself for now. "I've just been focused," she said instead.
Ebi-Adein studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Just don't forget—you don't have to do everything alone."
Ebimene managed a small smile. Maybe she didn't. But some battles were meant to be fought in the shadows.
And she was ready for war.