The Ice Queen's Stalker

I will kill you...

The message flashed on my screen as I stared at it. I took in a shaky breath. My eyes stung painfully.

We had just pulled up in front of the Ice Leads Academy building, and my mother was on the phone with the owner.

“Yes, Mr Monroe. We are here. Please make sure the security is tight. We wouldn't want Miss Raven becoming uncomfortable.”

My mother who was also my manager said, drawing me out of my frightened state. I immediately turned off my phone, throwing it in my bag.

“Okay, thank you.” She ended the call before turning to me. “Ready?”

I nodded, putting on my sunglasses before stepping out as the car was opened by a guard.

I heard the screams before I even saw them. A crowd of young boys and girls already gathered in front of the building, for me.

Cameras flashed on my face blinding me momentarily, even with the sunglasses on. I quickly increased my speed as I walked into the Ice Leads Academy.

"Raven, I love you!!" They shouted.

"Can I get an autograph?" A young girl no more than fifteen pulled out a book and pen. I took it from her, signing it before following the mass of security into the building.

They didn't really love me. No—they loved what I was, who I was but not me. As the most decorated junior skater in the country, I was used to people either fawning over me or glaring at me with jealousy.

“Hello, Miss Raven, It’s a pleasure to have you here,” the owner said, bringing me back to the moment. He reached out, shaking my hand with too much enthusiasm in my opinion.

“The pleasure is all mine,” I replied, removing my hand from his, reaching for my sanitizer. I poured some on my hand to get rid of whatever germs could be in that handshake as I raised my head and gave him my most innocent smile.

Mr Monroe's face turned red with embarrassment but he quickly masked it by clearing his throat.

“You must be extremely tired. Come, I will show you to a room to relax “before we begin.”

I followed him and his assistant down a hall, my mother beside me.

They led us to a clean medium sized room.

“Please make yourselves comfortable.” The lady smiled at me but I ignored her, entering the room.

“Thank you.” I heard my mother mutter to them before closing the door.

She turned to me.

“Darling, you should get ready before your performance begins.”

I nodded, taking my bag and entering the bathroom. Once I was safely behind those doors, I let out a shaky breath.

My hands shook as I stood in the middle of the bathroom, I held my phone as I read the newest message.

Unknown- I am watching you. I will find you and end your pathetic existence.

I quickly turned off my cell phone and threw it in my bag.

I started getting these death threats four months ago from an unknown number after I won best skater award, and ever since then it felt like the world has shifted and like I have lost all control.

I had told my agency but they pushed it aside as just me being paranoid. Telling me every famous person gets them and that it was nothing to worry about since it was going to blow over.

So, my mother took it upon herself to make sure I was protected by hiring private security for me. But every time she would hire one, I would find a reason to fire them, and at this point she was fed up with me. I could tell.

It's just that I couldn't bring myself to trust anyone. It always felt like they were part of it—like those security personnel were only there to spy on me. So how could I keep them?

A loud bang on the door drew me out of my depressing thoughts.

“Honey, they are waiting for you.” My mother's voice came through the door, making my stomach twist. I closed my eyes trying to calm my nerves as I prepared myself mentally

“Honey.” She called again, and I rolled my eyes.

“Coming.” I groaned, hoping she would go away but I knew I wasn't that lucky.

I turned on the tap, washing my face in the bathroom sink. Once I was done, I took one last look in the mirror, taking a deep breath and letting it out. Then I bent down, picking up my ice skating shoes and opened the door.

And just as expected, my mother was in front of the bathroom door. Her phone in one hand.

“What took you so long?” She scanned my appearance.

“Nothing.” I muttered, walking past her. She just sighed and followed me behind.

“I'm worried about you, dear.” She frowned putting her hand on my shoulder, turning me to face her.

“It's been four months since you complained about those death threats you were getting and since then you've become completely closed off. And don't get me started on your performance these days. They are so bad. It's like you're not concentrating anymore. What going on?” She asked.

I stared at her, schooling my expression to remain empty. Deep down, I wanted to scream and tell her nothing was fine. Tell her I felt lost but I knew she wouldn't understand. They never did. It will just result in her getting me extra security and that was the last thing I needed.

“I'm good, probably just a little stressed out.”

She looked at me, giving me an unconvinced look. But for some reason decided to drop the issue.

“Okay.” She sighed. “If you say so. Let's go. They are waiting for you.”

She patted my shoulder, leading me out of the room.

With a heavy heart. I put on my expressionless face and followed my mother to the skating arena where they were all gathered waiting for me.

“There she is.” Mr Monroe boomed, smiling widely at me. “The star of the moment.”

I didn't return his smile as I walked to him.

“You look breathtaking.” He praised but again I ignored him as the makeup team fixed me up for my performance.”

He bit his lower lip in discomfort from my reaction but I honestly couldn't be bothered.

I had my own problems to deal with.

“Shall we start? ” I turned to him, and he nodded quickly.

“Of course.” He smiled walking to the stage to announce me.

“Hello, ladies and gentlemen, aspiring young skaters. As you all know. We have an extremely special guest in our midst today. Someone whose success speaks for her. Someone who has forever changed what it is to be an ice skater.”

“Everyone, please put your hands in applause as we welcome the one and only, Raven Hale, the ice skating queen!!!”

The entire arena burst in applause and excitement as everyone stood from their seats to welcome me.

I put on my best fake smile as I walked into the stage, waving and smiling at the crowd.

I shook hands formally with Mr Monroe, and then his assistant before relaxing on a chair, set for me.

“Hello, Raven, how do you feel about being the best junior skater in not only the country but the world?” He asked and I forced a smile.

“Pretty exhausting but yeah, it still feels good.”

“So, what's next for Raven Hale. You've already taken over the world. Do you also plan on taking over the planet?”

I didn't answer immediately as I zoned into my mind. My thoughts jumbling together.

God, I hated interviews. What does he mean taking over the planet. Words like this are reasons why people want me dead.

I didn't know that my emotions were evident on my face and I was continuously tapping my fingers on my thigh, until my mother's hand rested on my thigh, dragging me from my thoughts.

“Of course, Raven has planned to go completely global, not only winning competition but inspiring young ice skaters to follow her footsteps.” She said.

“Really?” The interviewer looked absolutely bewildered, making me want to roll my eyes at the obvious over-reaction. “Is this true Raven.” She turned to me, and I forced a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

“Of course it is.” I said with a steady voice, successfully hiding my discomfort.

The interview continued like this, till it was over and it was time for my performance.

I slid across the ice, spinning and swaying like it belonged to me and me alone. The amount of peace I feel when I skated was something incomparable. A peace that some unknown person is trying to take away from me because these days when I skate.

Instead of feeling content, I feel exposed—like unseen eyes were locked on me. I tried my best to push my anxiety to the side but I could feel it slowly eating into my very being.

“Don't think, just do. Don't think, just do.” I recited in my mind as I danced across the ice.

“Don't—”

BOOM!!

A loud sound shook the skating arena drawing me out of my thoughts as I opened my eyes to see people screaming and running every which way trying to get to safety.

Fear gripped me. My hand trembled horribly, my breath caught in my throat.

The killer was here. I was going to die.

This was the only thought that ran through my head as I stood frozen on stage.

“We have to go.” Someone said hoisting me on their shoulders and carrying me out of the venue and into the car.

I couldn't think. All I felt was chaos.

Everything else seemed like a blur to me.

“Who are you?” I asked the young man who had just gotten into the front seat of the car.

He raised his head to me and amidst the chaos, the entire room seemed to still as his striking blue eyes held mine captivating me instantly.

“Your new bodyguard ma'am.” He replied calmly, his voice held a deep baritone that made me let out a slight shiver before quickly looking away.

He started up the car and zooms off, and even in my disoriented state.

I still thought.

Not again!!