9. the Box

The next day, the weight that had been looming over Jake seemed to lift, if only for a while. The old Jake was back, embracing the life he was so good at—women, charm, and indulgence.

At the university, Jake found himself once again the center of attention. A pair of cheerleaders from the squad had cornered him during lunch, their flirtatious giggles and whispers filling the space around them. His famous smirk returned as he let them hang off his arms, effortlessly charming them. This was the world he knew, where he was in control, untouchable—no shadows of curses or cryptic messages to ruin the moment.

As they walked out toward the parking lot, one of his many girlfriends was waiting by his car, feigning impatience. "You're late," she teased, but the glint in her eye was playful. Jake kissed her cheek and playfully twirled a lock of her hair, showing her that no one could resist him for long. He felt lighter, like the old carefree Jake had fully taken over again.

They drove off to his luxurious mansion, where a small, intimate pool party awaited them. His inner circle of friends was there—Serena, Tyler, and a few other familiar faces—all laughing and indulging in the lavish atmosphere Jake provided. The sound of splashing water and the clinking of glasses filled the air as Jake entertained the crowd, his confident smile masking the turmoil that had been threatening to surface just days ago.

But even amidst the laughter and fun, the cryptic messages kept nagging at him. That evening, while lounging by the pool, Jake's phone buzzed. It was the stranger again, the one from before—the one who knew too much about his past and his family.

"Meet me. Midnight. The abandoned warehouse by the docks. You need answers."

Jake's jaw tightened. He knew he couldn't avoid it any longer. He had to face this head-on.

As midnight approached, Jake slipped away from the party, leaving the chaos and indulgence behind. The drive to the docks was eerie; the quiet streets seemed haunted by something unseen. His heart raced—not from fear, but from the weight of the secrets he was about to uncover.

The warehouse loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. Jake entered cautiously, his senses heightened. The stranger stood waiting in the shadows, his face obscured by the dim lighting.

"You've been ignoring me, Jake," the stranger said in a gravelly voice. "But it's time you know the truth about who you are... and your mother."

At the mention of his mother, Jake's mind flashed back to memories he hadn't touched in years. His mother had always been a mysterious figure—beautiful, regal, but distant. There had always been something she kept hidden, something dark.

"The curse you carry isn't just some family legend," the stranger continued. "Your mother made a deal, Jake. She tried to protect you, but now the curse has awakened fully. It's no longer just a burden. It's your fate."

Jake's pulse quickened, but he kept his cool. "Why should I believe anything you say?"

The stranger stepped closer, revealing a scarred face. "Because I was there when the deal was made. I know more about your family's darkness than you ever will. Your mother tried to shield you from it, but now it's too late."

Before Jake could ask more, the stranger handed him a small, ornate box. "Open this when the time is right, and you'll learn what you need to. But be warned—once you do, there's no going back."

Jake clenched the box in his hand, his thoughts swirling. Just as he was about to press for more answers, the stranger's phone buzzed. He looked down briefly, then smiled coldly at Jake.

"You've got bigger problems than the curse right now. You're not the only one interested in your... condition."

As if on cue, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the warehouse. Jake turned toward the door, his instincts on high alert. But when he looked back, the stranger had vanished into the night.

Jake felt a chill run down his spine as he heard the door creak open behind him.