Section 1 – The Golden Glow
Adaeze thought she had survived the day. Shopping done. Groceries carried. Streets explored. But as she stepped into the flat, her stomach knotted into a pretzel.
A golden glow shimmered faintly in the corner of the living room. Her Bible felt suddenly heavy in her trembling hands. She dropped to her knees, whispering Psalm 23 under her breath:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures..."
The candle flickered, a sudden gust of icy air brushing her arms. Her hair lifted. Shadows stretched unnaturally across the walls, curling like fingers.
And then—he appeared. Tall. Golden eyes glowing. Sharp features like he'd been carved from shadow and light. Calm. Commanding.
"Uh… I… I'm not crazy?" Adaeze squeaked. She pressed the Bible to her chest, half-expecting it to burst into flames in her hands.
"You're not," he said, calm and low.
Adaeze's legs trembled. She scrambled backward. "Okay… nope… nope! I'm done! I'm—" She backed up until her butt hit the wall. "I… I'm leaving! Don't follow me! Lord, I'm praying here!"
Eli didn't move. His eyes flickered with that eerie golden glow. "I am Eli. I've been sent to guide you."
Adaeze flailed dramatically. "Guide me?! From… from what? From monsters? From ghosts? From… bad takeout?" She whispered Psalm 23 again frantically:
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..."
Eli's lips curved slightly—like he almost smiled, but not really. "You are not alone. And some shadows follow for reasons beyond prayer alone."
Adaeze's eyes widened. "Beyond… prayer alone?! What does that even mean?! Is this a test? A prank? Should I call the police? Someone tell me!"
Mini cliffhanger: The golden glow pulses, shadows twist. Adaeze's heartbeat pounds. Something unseen leans closer.