CRIMSON TRACE: HIS DARKEST MUSE
Chapter 1: The Shadow in the Room
Elara’s small studio apartment. 11:45 PM. The only light comes from her laptop
Elara
I know you're watching the "Read" receipts. I can see you’re online.
unknown
I’m always online for you, Elara.
Elara
The door was double-bolted. How did you get the black envelope on my pillow?
unknown
Locks are just suggestions for a man who owns the building. Open it.
Elara
[Photo sent: A rare, raw emerald necklace lying on velvet.]
Elara
(shocked) This is worth more than my life. I’m sending it back. Tell me where.
unknown
It matches the color of your eyes when you’re scared. Keep it. Or throw it away. I’ll just send a bigger one tomorrow.(smark)
Elara
Stop playing games! I’m calling the police.
unknown
Win is sleeping soundly down the hall. Don't wake him. It’s late, and he has football practice at 6 AM, doesn't he?
Elara
How do you know my brother's schedule?! Stay away from him!
unknown
I know everything. I know you like your coffee bitter, your art dark, and that you haven't slept in three days because you feel me watching.
[Elara drops her phone. The screen cracks. A tall figure in a tailored charcoal suit stands by the window, his face half-hidden in the moonlight.]
Arian
You didn't put on the necklace, Elara. I'm disappointed.
Elara
(Voice trembling) You... you’re the donor from the Art Gala. The one who bought my entire collection.
Arian
I’m the man who owns the air you breathe.
Flashback: 3 Months Ago
(Arian’s Private Vault - Scanned Chat Drafts)
May 14th - 02:14 AM]
(Draft): You’re sitting on the park bench again. The charcoal on your fingers makes you look like a messy angel. I should take you home. But not yet.
[June 02 - 11:30 PM]
(Draft): You stayed late at the library tonight. The streetlights are out on Indora Bridge. I sent three cars to circle the block. No one else gets to look at you in the dark. Only me.
Present Day - [Back to the Room]
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Chapter 2: The Price of Fame
[Present Day - Back to the Room]
Arian
(Picking up her cracked phone from the floor) You should be more careful with your things, Elara.
Elara
Why are you doing this? I’m just an artist.
Arian
Because you’re the only rare thing I have found in this city . And I’ve always had a habit of collecting rare things.
Arian
Now go to sleep it's already midnight , i hope you don't want to get late for you collage
Elara
(watching arian leave her room )
[ The next morning. Elara is at her Art College. Her hands are shaking as she holds her phone.]
Elara
📲💬 Arian, what did you do?
Arian
📲💬Good morning, Elara. Did you sleep well? Or were you thinking about me?
Elara
📲💬 Answer me! My professor just told me I won the "Young Artist of the Year" award.
Arian
📲💬Congratulations. You deserve it.
Elara
📲💬But I didn't even enter the contest! The deadline was last week!
Arian
📲💬The judges changed their minds once I made a "donation" to the school.
Elara
📲💬 You bought my award? That’s cheating! I wanted to win because I’m good, not because you’re rich.
Arian
📲💬You are good. I just made sure no one else stood in your way.
Elara
📲💬 What about Maya? She was the favorite to win. She’s been crying in the bathroom all morning.
Arian
📲💬 Maya is no longer a problem for you.
Elara
📲💬What does that mean? What did you do to her?
Arian
📲💬 She had some... "legal issues" with her family. I suggested she leave the city for a while.
Elara
📲💬You’re a monster. You’re ruining people's lives for a trophy I don't even want!
Arian
📲💬I'm not a monster, Elara. I'm a businessman. And you are my most valuable investment.
Elara
📲💬 I'm not an investment! Stay away from my school. Stay away from me!
Arian
📲💬Look at your bank account.
Elara
📲[User sends a screenshot showing +$50,000]
Elara
📲💬Where did this come from?!
Arian
📲💬That is the prize money for the award. Use it to buy better paints. Or use it to pay for Win’s private school fees.
Elara
📲💬 You’re trying to buy me.
Arian
📲💬 I don't need to buy you.
Arian
📲💬Elara,You’re already mine. You just haven't accepted it yet.
[Suddenly, a black car stops up at the school gate. The driver gets out and holds the door open.]
Arian
Your ride is here. Don't be late for our lunch.
Arian
Check your phone again. I just sent a photo to your brother.
Elara
[Arian sends a photo of Win walking home from school, unaware a man is following him.]
Arian
Be a good girl and get in the car, Elara. We have a lot to talk about
author
What do u think will Elara get in car or not
author
It's future and we don't know it but what do you think coming in next chapter
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Love from all characters ❣️
*D@TE*
[Inside the back of a luxury black car. The seats are leather, and the windows are tinted black. Elara is sitting as far away from Arian as possible.]
Arian
You’re very quiet, Elara. Are the seats not comfortable?
Elara
Let my brother go. He has nothing to do with this
Arian
He is perfectly safe. As long as you stay in this car, no one touches him.
Elara
Where are we going? This isn't the way to a restaurant.
Arian
I told you. We’re going to lunch. But I don't like public places. People talk too much.
[The car stops at a private dock. A massive white yacht is waiting.]
Elara
A boat? You’re taking me into the middle of the ocean?
Arian
It’s peaceful. No one can interrupt us. Get out of the car.
[They walk onto the yacht. A table is set with expensive food and a vase of white lilies—Elara’s favorite flowers.]
Elara
How do you know I like lilies?
Arian
I told you. I’ve studied every detail of your life.
Elara
Why? There are thousands of girls in this city. Why me?
Arian
Because you have a soul, Elara. Everyone else just has a price.
Elara
And what is my price?
Arian
You don't have one. That’s why I have to keep you.
[Arian’s phone rings. He looks at the screen. His face turns cold and scary.]
Arian
Wait here. I have to take this.
[Arian walks to the other side of the boat. Elara quickly grabs her phone to text for help, but there is no signal.]
Elara
No signal... he blocked it.
Elara
[she looks over the railing and sees Arian talking to a man in a black mask. Arian hands the man a heavy bag, and the man nods and leaves.]
Elara
[💭: What is in that bag? Guns? Money?]
[Arian walks back. He is wiping a small drop of red off his hand with a white cloth.]
Arian
Sorry for the wait. The steak is getting cold. Eat it.
Elara
Is that... blood on your hand?
Arian
It’s just sauce, Elara. Don't let your imagination run wild.
Elara
I want to go home. Now.
Arian
We’ll go home when I say the date is over. Sit down.
Elara
💭ahhh 😫 why he is doing that!!!!!
Arian
And Elara? Don't try to use your phone again. I know you tried to call the police.
Arian
I own the network on this boat. I see every letter you type before you even hit send.
[He sits down and smiles, but his eyes are dark.]
Arian
Now, tell me... do you like the lilies?
Arian
Are you going to say something or stay silent
Arian
Fine I know you are tired cara mia
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