WebNovels

Operation 54: A mystery that began with Emma

Urusa_Muskan
7
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The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
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Synopsis
“Fifty-four. Fifty-three. Fifty-two… when the countdown ends, so will your life.” Emma’s world shatters the night a faceless voice whispers those words into her ear. At first, she thinks it’s just a nightmare — until the first death happens. Officer Jack Hale and his partner, Julika Vance, are assigned to the case, only to uncover that this isn’t random violence, but a decade-old execution game known only as Operation 54. Each victim is a step in the countdown. Each clue is personal. And Emma’s name is already on the list. As Jack and Julika race against time, the killer’s messages grow more twisted — revealing secrets Emma never knew she had. Every step closer to the truth pulls them deeper into a labyrinth of obsession, betrayal, and a past someone will kill to protect. When the countdown hits zero, Jack will learn the most terrifying truth of all: In Operation 54, survival isn’t about being innocent… it’s about being the last one alive.
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Chapter 1 - The Voice in the dark

"Is he busy?"

The question floated in the dark. A woman's voice — calm, almost too calm.

"I… I don't know." Emma's own voice sounded small, almost like it wasn't hers.

"Ask him."

"How?"

"Just text him."

"But… he's offline."

"Then leave him."

Her stomach twisted. "Why?"

The voice grew sharper. "Because he doesn't even think about you."

"That's not true. He must be busy… or sleeping."

A laugh. Low, humorless. "Busy? Sleeping? Wow, you're still making excuses for him."

"They're not excuses. He loves me. I know he does."

"Really? Then prove it."

Emma blinked into the darkness. "Proof…?"

"Yes. Show me one moment he put you first. One time he said yes to what you wanted. Go ahead. Just one."

The silence after that was heavier than the words.

"… …"

"Thought so," the voice whispered. "Emma… please. Don't hurt yourself like this. Walk away before it's too late."

Her pulse thudded in her ears. Too late for what? She opened her mouth to ask, but—

Gasp.

Her eyes flew open.

She was in her bedroom.

The sheets clung to her skin with cold sweat. The air was still, but her heart was pounding so hard it made her ribs ache.

What was that?

Who was she?

And why did her voice feel… familiar?

Then she heard it.

Footsteps.

Slow. Heavy.

Somewhere beyond the door.

Emma froze, every muscle locked.

The steps grew louder. Closer.

Each one deliberate, like the person wanted her to hear them coming.

Her gaze locked on the door.

The shadows beneath it shifted.

Don't move. Don't breathe.

The door handle turned.

Once.

Twice.

Then — a long, creaking sound as the door began to open.

The figure standing there didn't move.

A tall shadow, featureless, its face swallowed in darkness.

Something in its hand caught the faint spill of moonlight.

Metal. Cold. Sharp.

A knife.

The shadow stepped inside.

Emma's throat clenched — and her scream tore through the night.