CHAPTER 3

 

Key to Chaos

 

The next morning, Lila awoke on a lumpy couch in Jerry’s small, cluttered apartment, the faint smell of coffee wafting through the air. She rubbed her eyes, the remnants of her migraine lingering but dulled by sleep. Glancing around, she took in the mismatched furniture, half-eaten takeout containers, and an ancient TV that looked like it might still be running on tube technology.

 

“Morning, Blood Girl!” Jerry called from the kitchen, his voice cheery despite the circumstances. “Gourmet instant noodles coming right up!”

 

“Yum,” Lila replied flatly, forcing herself to sit up. A part of her wanted to explain everything to him, to divulge the chaos swirling in her mind, but she held back. She still had no idea what was happening, let alone how to explain the powers she barely understood herself.

 

After slipping into a pair of Jerry’s oversized clothes—clothes that practically swallowed her whole—they set off toward the motel where her night had spiraled into madness. A strange instinct guided her steps, a pulsing energy that hinted at the chaos still waiting for her.

 

“Did I mention I’m thinking of starting a podcast called ‘Tales from the Taxi’?” Jerry chatted as they drove. “You know, I could have you on as my first guest! The Bloody Lady of—”

 

“You’re so loud,” Lila interrupted, her tone firm.

 

Jerry blinked, his enthusiasm deflating slightly. “Uh, okay? Sorry?”

 

 

She cast him a sideways glance, feeling the weight of his eyes pressing down on her, it doesn’t matter, she plans on ditching him when she’s in the motel room anyway.

 

“I don’t even know your name,” Jerry said as they neared the parking lot.

 

Lila was silent. She doesn’t know her own name. “Maybe not a podcast,” she muttered, rubbing her forehead

When they reached the motel, she felt a jolt of determination surge through her. The memories of the chaos lingered like shadows in her mind. She knew she needed to be back here. “Just a second,” she told Jerry, walking away from the car

 

Lila walked further away, searching for that magical spark inside her that had transported her before. She closed her eyes, focusing, feeling the energy swirl around her. But when she opened them again, she was still standing there, frustration bubbling within her. “Why can’t I do this?” she muttered under her breath.

 

“Can’t do what?” Jerry asked from beside Lila. Lila glared at him. “I told you to wait in the car”

 

“It’s boring there, plus you look like you are holding in a fart” He joked and reached out to grab a leaf that had fallen onto Lila's hair, she grabbed his wrist to stop him and they both got teleported into the motel room.

 

Once inside, the stench of cleaning chemicals hung heavily in the air, a poor cover for the memories that lingered. The room looked as if it had been meticulously combed through—no bodies remained, just forensic markers scattered on the floor like breadcrumbs leading to nowhere.

 

 

“WOAH!” Jerry exclaimed looking around in fear and shock. What just happened?!

 

“There has to be something here!” She glanced around desperately, the remnants of her earlier chaos still too fresh.

 

Just then, a voice echoed from the shadows behind her. “Lila Darnell,” it called, sending chills down her spine.

 

Before she could react, three shadowy figures stepped out from a swirling portal that opened behind her, their features obscured in darkness.

 

“Give us the key!” one of them demanded, the tone dripping with malice.

 

“What key?” Lila snapped, panic rising. She took a step back, feeling cornered.

 

They stepped forward, and instinct kicked in. With a sudden surge of energy, Lila shot her hands out, a wave of force radiating from her, slamming the first figure into the wall with a sickening thud.

 

“Whoa, that’s new!” Jerry exclaimed

 

“Not now!” she shouted, her focus narrowing on the remaining figures as they lunged toward her.

 

With a kick and a dodge, Lila moved with an agility she didn’t know she possessed. “Get away from me!” she yelled, feeling her powers igniting. She could sense the energy pooling within her, ready to unleash.

 

Lila got thrown backward and hit the heavy and tall dresser.

Gasping for air, she sees Jerry charging at them with a chair and they send him flying into the bathroom. Lila feels around for a weapon.

 

One of the figures grabs and lifts her up ready to stab her when suddenly her eyes turned black and blasted it into dust.

 

 

“Scared now?!” Lila smiled, like something else was in control. Just then, as Lila prepared to unleash her powers again, Jerry stumbled out of the bathroom, his head bleeding, the figure lunged for Jerry, grabbing him as he stood frozen in disbelief. “Let him go!” Lila commanded.

 

But it was too late. In a flash of blinding light, Jerry vanished along with the shadowy figures, leaving Lila standing alone in the room, breathless and terrified.

 

“Jerry!” she yelled, but only silence responded, the chaos around her fading into the background. She was left with more questions than answers, the weight of her powers heavy on her shoulders, and the sense that this was only the beginning.

 

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