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Hello everyone! This is the first chapter of my novel *The Other Side of the Cabinet*.
I hope you enjoy this journey into mystery, dark fantasy, and the unknown.
Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments I'd love to hear more from you all!
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A long time ago, there was a book a tome whispered about in myths as The Book of Infinity. It was said to contain a never-ending cycle of stories, an explanation of life and existence that stretched beyond the boundaries of comprehension. This book was no mere artifact of human knowledge; it spoke of realms unknown, sovereignty beyond our world, and mysteries that defied the natural order.
Intellectuals, theologians, and scholars alike failed to decipher its true meaning. Its contents bore no resemblance to the mythologies of human culture, no connection to gods or heroes. Instead, the book hinted at something far more alien. Even the churches condemned it, calling it witchcraft and accusing its unknown author of defying divine law and conjuring black magic.
The author, whoever they were, left no trace in history. There were no records of their existence, not in ancient archives, nor in government documents, nor even in the collective memory of society. Over time, the book itself disappeared, leaving only fragmented copies and faint whispers behind. Even those copies, meticulously documented by researchers, seemed to vanish without a trace, as if erased from reality.
And so, the Book of Infinity became a forgotten legend, a relic lost to time. But legends, no matter how distant, have a way of returning. The question lingered in hushed tones: Will it ever come back?
This is where another page in the Book of Infinity begins.
Modern Society, 2024: Present Day
(8:00 AM, Saturday)
Aiyana Berasuko was the kind of woman who drew attention wherever she went. At 25, her amber-colored wolf-cut hair with black highlights and her piercing grayish eyes gave her an aura that was both alluring and intimidating. She carried herself with a cool, effortless confidence, but beneath that exterior was someone who had grown weary of the life she lived.
A call center agent in the bustling city of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Aiyana worked tirelessly to maintain her independence. The district she called home was a sprawling hub of neon lights and endless activity, known for its nightlife and entertainment. But the glamour of the city rarely reached her. Most of her days were spent tethered to her headset, solving client issues in languages she'd spent years mastering.
Today, however, she had another task at hand: finding a new place to live. Her current apartment had become unbearable, plagued by noise, arguments, and filth. She sighed as she adjusted her simple outfit of trousers, a cropped top, and sneakers, muttering to herself, "I need to get this over with."
With her getting ready, her things and bags are ready to set off to find another place or apartment or even hotel to live for another year.
if it's not good of a place for a year.
She won't even stay for that long
Hours passed as she wandered through the streets, searching for something affordable yet livable.
As she turned into a quieter alley near the river, her eyes landed on a peculiar building she had never noticed before.
The structure was simple but old, with a sign above the entrance that read: Veneficus Casa.
"Strange," Aiyana murmured, tilting her head. "I've never seen this place before."
Despite her doubts, she decided to step inside.
The interior left her speechless the Victorian-style decor, antique furnishings, and a sense of elegance that seemed out of place for such a small, unassuming building.
A friendly receptionist greeted her. "Good morning, Miss. Welcome to Veneficus Casa. How can I help you?"
*Because they got to ask her it will be rude to leave and not respond, so she decided to respond and ask*
" I'm looking for a home unit to stay; how much is one room cost? " Aiyana asked curiously.
"One room cost 50$, it has kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom, water and electric bill is free" the receptionist responded.
Aiyana roamed her eyes to the place; it's a historical Queen Victorian style with antiques items displayed with matted wall painted and she was astounded on how cheap the place is.
Aiyana started to get suspicious about the place if it's a scam or not.
Because everything is so amazing, why is that she never heard about this place on the internet or from her workmates?
The receptionist was looking at her, as if it's like she notices Aiyana's suspicions and doubts.
Because of that the receptionist said without her replying yet.
" This apartment was built 20 years ago, it was modified with strong and steady materials"
Aiyana surprised by the sudden response from the Receptionist without her asking about that certain thing
As the Receptionist talking and without breaking eye contact with her.
, "So, it was really that old" Aiyana looked at her with a curious expression
" Yes, it was founded by an old man who is an explorer and a politician of our Nation" she added calmly.
*A politician? now that you think about it the name of this hotel is Veneficus , that Veneficus.. he was from the history books when I was still at college, sadly he passed away though... I did not know he owned a hotel though.*
Aiyana responded, "this place has quite a history, one room i will take that".
The Receptionist then responded.
"Alright Miss".
As Aiyana agreed to what the receptionist had told her, she was suddenly startled to find the butler standing right next to her without her noticing.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stepped back, momentarily frightened.
Realizing it was just a hotel staff member, she exhaled deeply, trying to calm herself.
Embarrassment quickly replaced her fear. Why did I react like that? she thought, averting her gaze to hide the flush creeping up her cheeks.
Deciding it was best to pretend it never happened, she forced a small smile and nodded politely at the butler, silently willing the awkward moment to pass.
The butler led her through the halls, and she marveled at the intricate designs of the building.
Her room was beyond what she had never expected that it would be so amazing causing her to be in shook making her stop.
As they reached the room, the butler broke the silence "Miss, here is your room and have a look "The butler led her to the room and put the luggage on the side of the table, the butler also gave her a tour.
Firstly, he showed the living room, next is the shower room with a glass sliding door and heater machine, the shelves of the bathroom and the bookshelves of another side of the room.
The bedroom was majestic with a beautiful set of kitchen area and even living room,
And "lastly here's our telephone booth, If you need anything Miss, press 1 it will automatically connect with us, our receptionist will notify the service office.
Thank you for choosing our place and enjoy your stay. " The butler bid farewell and bowed closing the door slowly leaving Aiyana alone in the room.
Then Aiyana Muttered to herself,
"Is this for real?"
Running her fingers over the polished furniture.
After unpacking her belongings and settling in, she decided to spend the evening relaxing.
She grabbed her phone out of her pocket and took a picture of the place for remembrance.
Subsequently, Aiyana started unpacking and organizing things on the shelves, she put her charger and diary, dresses were organized at the wardrobe, after a couple of hours organizing things, Aiyana checked the time " it's already dinner time, time flies so fast" her stomach growled, so she grabbed her purse and headed outside to buy something and spend the rest of the time.
(7:00 pm Saturday)
Aiyana headed back to the apartment and took a bath, wore her favorite pajamas and sat on the mattress while scrolling on her phone watching favorite tv shows on YouTube, playing games and etc. To make it away her languor.
(9:00 PM, Saturday)
As for some time had passed the day's fatigue pressed on her, and her eyelids grew heavy.
**yawns**
Just as she began to doze off, a faint chime echoed through the room.
**her eyes almost closing up**
The sound was soft at first, like a distant bell swaying in the wind.
She stirred, brushing it off as a neighbor's wind chime or some stray noise outside.
But the sound grew louder, more insistent, until it resonated unnervingly close, almost at her ear.
**her eyes opened and widened**
Her heart raced as she sat up abruptly, scanning the dimly lit room.
"Who's there?" she called out, her voice a shaky attempt at bravery.
No answer.
The room was silent again, save for her uneven breathing.
She shook her head, forcing a nervous laugh.
I'm just tired. Imagining things, she thought.
Then it came again, the chime, but now accompanied by a faint static.
She froze as the sound transitioned into a distant ringing a soft, metallic, and unmistakably coming from the direction of the telephone booth in the room.
Aiyana slowly got up, the hair on the back of her neck standing on end.
She reached the booth and picked up the receiver.
"Hello?" she whispered.
Silence.
Only Beeping sounds will be heard
Beep...
beep...
beep...
beep..
She tightened her grip on the phone.
"Hello?" she repeated, louder this time.
Still nothing.
Aiyana muttered, "it must be an error through their telephone lines"
Maybe to be sure I'll call them just like the butler said, if I need help or have any problems, I will just need to press 1 at the telephone so that they will respond to my calling, She said that to herself.
She then dialed 1 at the telephone lines
As it started ringing.
The static distorted into the haunting chime once more.
The tone seemed to twist and warp, like something unnatural was breathing life into the sound.
The phone emitted sharp, erratic beeps
Aiyana winced as a piercing, erratic screech erupted from the receiver, slicing through the silence like a jagged blade.
She yanked the Telephone away from her ear, but the sound seemed to burrow into her skull, its intensity growing with each passing second.
"Ahh!" she cried out, clutching her head as if trying to shield herself from the invisible assault.
The room felt like it was closing in on her, the shrill noise reverberating through the air, making the walls seem alive with an unnatural hum.
The receiver slipped from her trembling hand, swinging lifelessly on its cord.
She stumbled back, her breath ragged, as the beeps dissolved into the faint yet persistent chime that had started it all.
Ughhh!!! what the hell??!?!!?
Aiyana's heart pounded against her ribcage.
The Telephone now hung silently, but the damage was done.
Something was wrong, terribly wrong.
She turned toward the shelves, drawn by an unshakable sense of dread.
The air grew colder, and as she took a hesitant step forward, a thud broke the silence.
Her eyes darted to the floor, where an ancient, dust-covered book lay as if it had been waiting for her.
The chime returned, deeper now, resonating with an ominous finality.
Her hands trembled as she reached for the book.
The symbols on its leather cover writhed unnervingly in the dim light, as though alive, pulsating with an eerie energy.
The chime returned, deeper and more resonant, reverberating through the room like a sinister heartbeat.
As her fingers grazed the cover, the room's temperature plummeted.
She hesitated but lifted the book, its weight feeling unnatural, almost as if it were resisting her touch.
The pages, initially blank, began to glow faintly, words materializing in an otherworldly script:
"The door opens for the chosen. The Veil awaits."
Before she could make sense of the cryptic message, the book shuddered violently in her hands.
Suddenly, the pages ripped themselves free, tearing away with a force that sent Aiyana stumbling backward.
"What the—!" she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper as she watched in horror.
The loose pages spiraled upward, moving with an unnatural precision, encircling her like a whirlwind of glowing fragments.
The chime grew louder, morphing into a haunting melody that seemed to speak directly to her.
As the pages whipped around her, words appeared on each, glowing brighter with every rotation:
"You are the one."
The phrase repeated over and over, the relentless glow illuminating Aiyana's terrified expression.
Her chest tightened, and she clutched at the air, unsure whether to run or scream.
"You are the one."
Just then, a loud creak shattered the oppressive sound.
The cabinet door across the room slammed open with a deafening crack, the force shaking the walls as an eerie, pulsating glow spilled out like liquid light, thick and suffocating.
The glow flickered erratically, casting long, warped shadows that seemed to writhe on the walls like living things.
"You are the one."
The pages circling Aiyana tightened their frenzy, their glowing symbols now shining like searing brands in the dim light.
Then, one by one, they began shooting toward the cabinet, each ripped sheet disappearing into the glowing void as if consumed.
Aiyana's chest heaved, panic clawing at her throat. "Stop... please stop!" she whispered, her voice trembling. But the room ignored her plea.
"You are the one."
The cabinet pulsed again, brighter now, casting her shadow across the room in monstrous proportions.
The air was thick, buzzing with an unnatural energy that made her skin crawl.
"You are the one."
Her legs buckled, sending her stumbling backward.
The silence that followed was almost worse than the chaos, a suffocating void broken only by the pounding of her heart.
Then, the pages slowed their descent into the cabinet.
Instead of vanishing entirely, they floated before her, each glowing sheet spinning around her like a ritualistic dance.
"You are the one."
Her eyes darted from page to page again, the symbols forming coherent, glowing words: "You are the one."
The words repeated, flashing brighter, faster, until the pages swirled in unison toward the cabinet.
They vanished into its depths, and the light surged with a final, blinding intensity.
The air shifted violently, the pull from the cabinet growing stronger. Aiyana screamed, clawing at the ground as an invisible force dragged her forward.
"No! Let me go!" she cried, digging her nails into the wooden floor.
But it was futile.
The cabinet's glow intensified, swallowing her shadow entirely. Her body lifted off the ground, weightless, as the force yanked her into the air.
The last thing she saw was the swirling light and the faint outline of the pages reassembling themselves within the cabinet.
And then, with a final, thunderous pull, the cabinet claimed her.
The room fell silent once more, the glow fading as the door creaked shut.
All that remained was the faint scent of burnt paper and the echo of her scream.
What awaits Aiyana beyond the Veil? What secrets lie within the Book of Infinity?
Chapter 1 has Ended