CHAPTER ONE: THE FIRST NIGHTMARE
The auditorium erupted into applause as Olivia Lancaster finished her performance.
She stood at the centre of the stage, breathing heavily beneath the bright lights as the audience cheered. For a moment, she simply stood there, taking everything in. Then she smiled and bowed before finally leaving the stage.
“Well done, Olivia!”
“That was amazing!”
“You were incredible!”
The compliments continued as she made her way off the stage. Her friends were waiting for her, and the moment they saw her, they rushed over.
“Olivia! That was so good!” one of them exclaimed.
“I knew you were going to do well,” another said, giving her a hug.
Olivia laughed as they congratulated her and excitedly talked about the performance.
“You have to come with us,” one of her friends said. “We're going to celebrate.”
Olivia smiled, but she was clearly exhausted. “I would, but I'm too tired.”
“We just finished!”
“I know,” Olivia replied with a tired laugh. “But I feel like I could fall asleep right here.”
Her friends laughed.
“Fine, go and rest, superstar.”
After saying goodbye to them, Olivia left and headed home.
By the time she arrived at her apartment, she was completely exhausted. She changed into something comfortable and placed her things aside before lying down on her bed.
The events of the day replayed in her mind—the performance, the applause, and her friends celebrating her. She smiled to herself as she remembered it.
It had been a good day.
Olivia closed her eyes, intending to rest for a little while.
She fell asleep and immediately , she was on her foot running.
Olivia had no idea where she was or why she was running. Darkness surrounded her, and she could barely see what lay ahead. Her breathing was already heavy, but she did not stop.
Something was chasing her.
She could hear the footsteps behind her.
Olivia ran faster.
Her heart pounded against her chest as she pushed herself forward. She did not know what was behind her, and she did not dare to look back. Every time she thought she had created some distance, the footsteps seemed to grow closer.
She kept running.
Her legs began to ache, and her breathing became heavier. She was exhausted, but she could not stop. She had no idea where she was going. There was nowhere to hide and nowhere to escape.
So Olivia continued running through the darkness.
And whatever was chasing her continued following behind.
