A Minute To Midnight Novels & Stories

Richard Blackwood’s chair… Was empty too. Both men had vanished. A slow clap echoed from somewhere in the darkness. August’s voice drifted through the station. “Find them before the clock reaches zero.” A large digital timer illuminated on the far wall. 30:00 Thirty minutes. No explanation. No clues. Only a countdown. Amelia looked around at her scattered allies. This was no longer a rescue mission. It was a game. And August Carter had just made the rules.

Ryder thought this was a practical solution. However, Jake had other thoughts. "Is this... Is this why you decided to call me Midnight?" He asked bewildered. Did this girl really name him after the time of the night she would kick him off her house? "All of the three times you showed up at midnight. That's why." As soon as she explained it, Ryder walked inside the house and locked the door behind her. EXTRA: Jake at home: *opens the "Who killed Midnight* document on his laptop*

We were ready. The ball would start when daylight faded and twilight emerged. I peered in the mirror my ice blue eyes were alert and ready for trouble my hair ribboned down my back resting at my waist. Tonight would be my last in the pack. Vivian was slipping on cleanly polished boots before double checking her silver moon necklace around her neck. Out of habit I played with my own matching necklace my fingers looping around the intricate chain. Matching. A gift from our mother. “Well let’s do the best job we can and then skedaddle.” Vivian joked running a brush through her hair once more.

Slowly, I noticed that his smile faded and I wondered why. "You just arrived?" He asked and I felt he's not greeting me warmly. "Yeah.. like a couple of minutes." "Wanna try some food?" He asked and I nodded. I followed him but I noticed it wasn't a good idea to wear heels here. My pointy heels kept going into the soil. "You're done judging?" "They're preparing for round 2, it will start in an hour." Leon answered and I nodded. He led me to one of the tables and gave me a clean spoon.

I feel so alive, oh I feel so free. Dancing in the moonlight , now you hold me close, your breath tickles my senses ..you boop my nose. All laughter fills the air, our faces lit up with impish glee... I want this to never end, for we are all just stardust. You and me. Forever yours, Meg

The man who said my name like he was tasting it. I lift the sleeve of the hoodie to my nose. His smell is still there. Faint now. Mixed with my own smell. But still there. My phone is on the pillow next to me. I must have fallen asleep texting Amina. I pick it up. Our conversation is still open. The last message is from her, sent at 2 AM. Okay I have thought about it. I have decided I approve. But I need to meet him. And if he hurts you I will end him. Goodnight.

I ended up falling asleep, only waking up hours later. My stomach started growling so I got up and went to find something to eat. I looked at the clock and it was almost four in the afternoon. My grandmother was napping in her armchair with a book on her lap, I went over to her and covered her with a blanket, it was cold.

I hugged the frame tighter, pressing it to my chest as if holding her. And then, I began counting. Seconds. Every tick of the clock. Every shallow breath. Each one felt longer than the last. The seconds dragged into eternities, stretching until I thought I’d lose my mind. My heart hammered painfully with every passing moment. 11:50. 11:55. 11:59. And then… midnight. The faint click of the clock changing to 12:00 sent a jolt through me. My heart stopped for half a beat. This was it.

I steadied myself against the bed. I pulled the dark hoodie tight around my chest. Aiden checked the heavy silver watch he had on, his expression hardening. "It is currently 10:30," he said, his golden eyes drilling into mine. "Once the clock strikes 11:00 PM tonight, your five hours start counting down." He walked toward the exit, pausing at the entrance as Alex followed behind him. Aiden turned his head slightly, his voice a low, terrifying whisper that sent a violent shiver straight down my spine.

MAX I'd been sat here for the past half hour, watching the wall clock tick towards midnight like a guillotine blade inching closer to its drop. The house was deathly silent, except for the sound of my finger tapping the granite countertop in sync with the clock's minute movement. Waiting. Patiently waiting. Eyes aimed straight for the stairs… …Until the time finally came. Right on cue, moment after midnight, a little rustle came from upstairs, followed the creak of an opening door, footsteps across the landing… and eventually the staircase.