Chapter 1
Heba strolled through the grand halls,her eyes wandering over the intricate details and opulent decor.For a moment,she felt like she was dreaming.In her entire life,she never imagined herself married into one of the richest and influential families in Giza but it had just happened,she was a newly wed to a handsome and gentle man,the first son of the Aziz family.
Her uncle, Hisham,her best friend Salma and her aunt Nour had come to stay at her in-laws house for a few days because it was soon after her wedding.They were there to make her feel comfortable at her new home and get used to it.Heba preferred to walk around the house alone,it was big and glamorous,she walked around until she got a little confused.
Heba walked down passages and took turns,she had her phone in her hand "Oh,I can't even figure out how I got here,I will call Karim if I don't find my way back",she said to herself cheerfully and continued.
She found her way down the stairs to the dining room, there were two servants ,she quickly walked past the dining room because she noticed they were busy tiding up.She hurried through a narrow passage,her heart racing with anticipation. She walked past several rooms,it was all an adventurous walk to her and she enjoyed it. The passage took a sharp turn, narrowing even further as it plunged into darkness.The air grew thick and musty.The passage twisted and turned, leading her deeper into the heart of the mansion.She could barely see a thing,she wanted to go back but her curiosity urged her to continue going forward.
The shadows slowly gave way to definition and she could see the space around her more clearly.The narrow passage came to a stop at a door.So that was it?She walked all the way down the passage only to see a closed door?She thought.She stood there staring at the door,it was a simple wooden door, almost old looking,it was different from all the doors she has seen in the house.
Heba was about to turn back when she heard strange sounds from inside.She frowned,where was that coming from?was there anyone in that room? servants, perhaps?The sound grew a little louder and it sounded like someone was laughing,a woman's voice. "Hello?who is there? anybody in here?"She called,her voice loud and smooth.She wanted to see who was inside,she hoped it were the servants so she would tell them how curiosity made her come all the way down that passage and laugh about it.
Suddenly,there was silence.Heba thought the servants kept quiet because they were a little afraid. "No need to be afraid,it's me, can I come in? alright I'm coming in",She said cheerfully and opened the door,it wasn't locked.She was shocked and confused,there were no people in the room.
She felt her hair pulling a little,her skin prickled with unease.She looked around,the wall was written in blood red bold letters "Kashta".It was a small room,in the middle of it,there was a flower in a big flower pot,a midnight rose,it was big and black.Heba 's curiosity overpowered her fear,she walked slowly towards the flower pot.When she got closer,she realised the flower had just been watered,not with water but with fresh blood,she could perceive the scent.She saw a small piece of paper floating on blood, written "Tamer" in black ink.
Heba blinked several times,was she having a nightmare?She suddenly felt a dark force embracing her and her body grew stiff for a second.She became frightened and uttered a scream as she turned to the door.When she reached for the door handle,a force pulled her back and slammed her against the wall.What she saw was black smoke,it gradually surrounded her and she felt like someone was strangling her.A strange force lifted her up and had her in the air, still being strangled,her feet kicking in the air.After a few moments of choking,the force let go of her and she came rolling on the floor.She got up, coughing and reached for the door and ran off.
She didnt know how she got back upstairs,she went to her uncle 's room and knocked loudly."Who is it?I'm busy",Hisham said from inside."Uncle, it's Heba!open the door",She was breathing very loud.Hisham quickly opened the door for her and she stormed in.She was breathing fast and loud ,Hisham told her to calm down, gradually,she did.
"Uncle,what is Kashta?I saw..."Heba didn't know what to say or ask.Hisham opened his eyes wide in shock."Heba,where did you hear that name from? don't say that name again!"he looked a little terrified. "Why uncle?do you know Kashta?"she asked,also surprised."Heba,where did you hear that from? Kashta is a woman,an evil force,she is a Nepharian,wait",Hisham said as he knelt down beside his bed and pulled his briefcase,he opened it and took out a big brown book that looked ancient.
"It's in here,Heba,the story of the Nepharians and there was a prophecy about them,does it mean it's coming true now?Heba, where did you see Kashta or you just heard about her?"Hisham asked curiously.
"I saw her name on the wall,in this mansion uncle,she strangled me,do you think she lives here?"Heba asked holding her neck.Hisham looked at her with disbelief. "Maybe you just saw a vision,it wasn't real,why would Kashta strangle you in this house and not the people who live here?"he said. Heba kept quiet. "Alright,I believe you, I will give you something,a necklace,you shouldn't take it off your neck,it resist evil forces and, don't tell anyone about this!"Hisham warned her. "No, uncle,I have to tell them,they should be aware and be careful of this Kashta,I think she kills people ",Heba said.
