The Woman on the Screen Was Me, But Not Me—A School, A Child, and a Dark Secret Unveiled

 

 

The room spun around me, the reality of the situation crashing down like the rain outside. I blinked at the screen, my mind racing to comprehend what I was seeing. It was me, but it wasn’t. The woman on the screen moved with a confidence I didn’t possess, her smile radiant, her demeanor calm. I was a ghost in my own life, a specter haunting the edges of my existence.

“Madam, are you okay?” the principal asked, his voice a distant echo as I struggled to regain my composure.

“Where is Kamsi?” I demanded, my voice barely a whisper. “Where is my son?”

The principal’s brow furrowed deeper. “He’s in the classroom, ma. He was picked up by you… or someone who looks just like you.”

“No!” I shook my head vehemently. “I need to see him. Now!”

I bolted from the office, my heart pounding in my chest as I raced down the corridor. Each step felt like an eternity, dread coiling in my stomach. What if that woman wasn’t just a doppelgänger? What if she had taken my son?

I burst into the classroom, breathless and wild-eyed. The sight of Kamsi sitting at his desk, chatting with his friends, brought a wave of relief crashing over me. I rushed to him, pulling him into a tight embrace. “Kamsi! Thank God you’re okay!”

He stiffened in my arms, confusion flickering across his face. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, baby. Nothing at all,” I lied, forcing a smile as I pulled back to look into his eyes. “I just… I just got worried.”

As I led him out of the classroom, my mind raced. What did this mean? How could someone impersonate me so perfectly? I needed answers, and I needed them fast.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I sat at the kitchen table, my thoughts swirling like the storm outside. I couldn’t shake the image of that woman from my mind. Who was she? Why was she pretending to be me?

John came into the kitchen, his expression weary. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

I hesitated, weighing whether to share my fears with him. “John, something strange happened today at school.”

He looked up, concern etching lines into his forehead. “What do you mean?”

I recounted the afternoon’s events, my voice trembling as I described the CCTV footage and the woman who had taken my place. John listened intently, his brow furrowing deeper with each word.

“Roseline, you’re stressed. You need to take a break,” he said finally, trying to soothe me. “You’re working too hard.”

“No! This is serious! Someone is out there, and they look just like me!” I argued, my frustration boiling over.

“Maybe it was just a glitch in the system. You’re imagining things.” His dismissive tone stung, but I knew he was just trying to protect me.

“Imagining things? John, I’m telling you, we need to figure this out. What if she comes after Kamsi next?” The fear in my voice was palpable.

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “Let’s just take it one step at a time. We’ll go to the school tomorrow, talk to the principal, and see what we can find out.”

But the next day, when we returned to Devas College, I was met with a wall of silence. The principal claimed no knowledge of the incident, and the CCTV footage had mysteriously been erased. I felt like I was losing my mind, trapped in a nightmare with no way out.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”

“Then you should be,” she replied, her voice low and ominous. “Some truths are better left buried.”

I left her office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to warn Kamsi, to pull him out of this school before it was too late. But as I drove home, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. I was running out of time.

The following morning, I woke to an empty house. Kamsi was gone. Panic surged through me as I searched every room, calling his name. “Kamsi! Where are you?”

I rushed outside, my heart racing as I scanned the street. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text from an unknown number: “Meet me at the playground. I have something to show you.”

I hesitated, fear gripping me, but I couldn’t leave Kamsi in danger. I drove to the playground, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I spotted a figure standing near the swings, their back turned to me.

“Who are you?” I called out, my voice trembling.

The figure turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the woman from the CCTV footage—the woman who looked just like me.

“Hello, Roseline,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Where’s Kamsi?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“He’s safe, for now,” she replied, a smile creeping across her lips. “But you need to understand the truth about Devas College.”

“What truth?” I spat, anger and fear bubbling within me.

She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a strange light. “This school is a gateway, Roseline. A place where we can harness the energy of the children. They are special, gifted. But sometimes, they need a little… encouragement to reach their full potential.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane! You’re putting my son in danger!”

“Danger? No, dear. It’s a gift. But you need to let go of your fear. Only then will you understand.”

Before I could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. A jolt of energy surged through me, and I gasped, falling back against the swings.

In that moment, I saw flashes of memories—children laughing, their eyes bright with joy, but beneath it all, a darkness lurked, a shadow of despair. I realized that she was drawing on their energy, feeding off their innocence, and in doing so, she was creating a world where children vanished without a trace.

“Stop it!” I screamed, pushing against the ground to rise. “I won’t let you take him!”

But she only smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re too late, Roseline. You’re just like me now. You can’t fight it.”

With a surge of adrenaline, I turned and ran, my heart pounding as I raced toward the school. I had to find Kamsi before it was too late.

When I burst into the classroom, the students were seated, their faces blank and devoid of emotion. Kamsi sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over, as if he were in a trance.

“Kamsi!” I cried, rushing to him. “Wake up, sweetheart! You have to come with me!”

He blinked, confusion washing over his face. “Mom? What’s happening?”

“Get your bag! We’re leaving!” I urged, my heart racing as I glanced around the room, searching for the woman who had taken my place.

But she was nowhere to be found.

As we raced out of the school, I felt a strange energy pulsing in the air, a force that threatened to pull me back. I fought against it, gripping Kamsi’s hand tightly as we dashed toward the exit.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Just hold on tight, Kamsi. We’re getting out of here!” I shouted, pushing through the gate and into the sunlight.

Once we were outside, I took a deep breath, relief flooding through me. But the weight of what I had learned lingered in the air, a dark shadow that threatened to consume us both.

As we drove home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over. The woman who had taken my place was still out there, lurking in the shadows.

That night, as Kamsi slept peacefully in his room, I lay awake, my mind racing. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

Days turned into weeks, and the unease in my heart grew. Kamsi was thriving at school, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked just beneath the surface. I began to notice subtle changes in him—he would often stare off into space, as if lost in thought, and sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, he would glance over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear.

One evening, as I tucked him into bed, I couldn’t help but ask, “Kamsi, is there something you want to tell me? Have you seen anyone at school… someone who looks like me?”

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the blankets. “Sometimes, I see a lady in the playground. She looks like you, Mom, but she’s different. She smiles a lot more.”

My heart raced. “What do you mean different?”

“She just… she seems nice, but there’s something about her that makes me feel funny inside,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

A chill ran down my spine. “Kamsi, promise me you’ll stay close to your friends and tell a teacher if you see her again.”

“I promise, Mom,” he said, his small hand squeezing mine.

That night, I lay awake, my mind racing. I couldn’t let my son out of my sight. I had to protect him from whatever dark force was at play. I decided to investigate further, digging into the history of Devas College and the children who had disappeared over the years.

What I uncovered sent shivers down my spine. The school had a dark reputation, steeped in rumors of secret societies and hidden rituals. Parents whispered about a cult that supposedly thrived on the energy of the children, drawing them into a world where they could be easily manipulated.

One name kept surfacing—Dr. Thandiwe Mokoena, the enigmatic headmistress known for her unorthodox teaching methods and a past shrouded in mystery. I needed to confront her, to demand answers.

The following week, I arrived at Devas College, my heart pounding in my chest. I marched into the principal’s office, ready to confront Dr. Mokoena. The atmosphere was thick with tension as I stood before her, a woman whose presence was both commanding and unsettling.

“Mrs. Nwankwo, what brings you here?” she asked, her voice smooth like silk but laced with an undercurrent of something darker.

“I want to know the truth about this school,” I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “About the children who have gone missing.”

Dr. Mokoena leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the rumors. They are just that—rumors. Devas College is a place of learning, Mrs. Nwankwo. We nurture talent, we cultivate potential. The children thrive here.”

“But at what cost?” I pressed, my heart racing. “What about the children who disappeared?”

Her smile faded, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something cold in her eyes. “You should be careful, Mrs. Nwankwo. Curiosity