The Dark Side

In the early hours of February 6th, around 7:14 a.m., a loud banging echoed through the quiet morning. The sound grew louder with each passing second, unsettling the stillness of the day. No one knew who or what was causing the disturbance, but the urgency in the knocks was impossible to ignore.

Mr. Ikon, a native of Delta in the southern part of Nigeria, was a man of stature and presence. At 34 years old, he stood at an impressive 6.2 feet tall, with a muscular build and a dark complexion. His body was covered in thick hair, a trait that was impossible to miss. He lived in a sprawling 12-bedroom mansion, a family heirloom inherited from his late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ekene, of blessed memory.

As the only son and child, Ikon had been groomed in the ways of ethics and responsibility. He was not only handsome but also highly educated, with a vast knowledge of medicine and surgery. Specializing as a neurosurgeon, he had practiced for seven years before retiring to focus on the family business after his parents' passing.

It had been twelve months since he moved into the village mansion, and in that time, he had barely received any visitors. The burial of his parents had come and gone, and now, two months later, even their corpses would have begun to decay. The isolation had become a constant in his life—until that morning.

The banging on the door grew more frequent and louder, but Ikon didn’t rush to answer. He was a bold and courageous man, known for his charisma and outspoken nature. Women often talked about him, captivated by his charm. Yet, this morning, the disturbance tested even his patience.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he finally approached the door. As he opened it, he was stunned by the sight before him. Standing there was a face from his past—one he never expected to see again.

He took a step back, momentarily paralyzed by shock, and instinctively moved to shut the door. But it wouldn’t close. A hand blocked it, firm and unyielding.

Looking down, he noticed the slender fingers holding the door ajar. A smile crept onto his face as he looked up and met her gaze.

“Agnes,” he said, his voice steady but laced with surprise. “What do you want?”

Agnes was a 28-year-old woman he had known during his university days. She had been his course mate and best friend in their first year. Beautiful, elegant, and irresistible, she was the kind of woman who turned heads wherever she went. Her height and grace made her a perfect match for Ikon—or so their friends had often teased.

But Ikon had always lived a life of disguise, hiding his family’s wealth to avoid unwanted attention. Even Agnes had been unaware of his true background during their time together.

As Ikon continued to stare into Agnes’s eyes, a chill ran down his spine. Something felt off—her touch was icy cold, and her presence seemed almost... ethereal. Before he could process what was happening, she leaned in closer, her voice a whisper. “Ikon, you don’t understand. I’ve come a long way to find you... and I’m not leaving.”

The door creaked shut behind her, and the mansion seemed to grow colder. Ikon’s heart raced as he realized this wasn’t just a reunion—it was something far more unsettling.