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The day unfolded in a rhythmic dance between investigation and revelation, each step bringing me closer to the truths hidden within Harmony Grove. When it was time to leave, I settled into the passenger seat of Alexei's car. The ride home was silent, both of us lost in our own thoughts. No significant progress was made today but I knew one thing, we would be having a breakthrough very soon.
I walked into the guestroom where my things had been arranged neatly in one corner of the room, I removed my shoes before collapsing on the bed. Harmony grove was very far from what I intended it to be for me. Was I ready for this new phase? Yes. Was I scared that something might go wrong? Also yes.
I still had one question, why were the bodies never kept for long in the morgue? I got up and decided to ask Alexei myself. I walked up the stairs and found his room. I knocked and he opened the door for me. I went in and he returned to his work table, completely engrossed in something, though I didn’t know what.
"Why couldn't I see the bodies?" I asked, curiosity overcoming any hesitation.
Closing the book, Alexei's expression turned thoughtful. "The bodies had to be cremated. The powers within them are potent even in death. It's a measure to keep everyone safe."
"Why aren't they buried?" I probed, my inquisitive nature delving deeper into the unknown.
"The powers within the bodies persist even after death. Burying them would risk their resurgence," Alexei explained further, his words carrying the weight of centuries-old knowledge.
"Cremation is the safest way to contain their essence. And their ashes would be kept secure by their families. "
Alexei's words carried a somber warning. "Evelyn, embracing this investigation means delving into the shadows. Your life will turn darker, and you might face challenges you never anticipated."
His words hung in the air, a testament to the trials ahead. Yet, instead of fear, determination now surged through me. Harmony Grove had become a tapestry woven with secrets, and my insatiable curiosity propelled me forward.
"I'm not afraid," I declared, my voice steady. "I want to get to the root of this, no matter how dark it gets."
The night unfolded with a promise—to find the mysteries that gripped Harmony Grove. As I retreated to the guest room, the subtle weight of the unknown settled around me. The investigation had entered a new phase, and I was ready to confront the shadows, armed with newfound knowledge and an unyielding determination to seek the truth.
CHAPTER 13 | LYCANTHROPES
ALEXEI’S POV
The soft chime of the café door greeted us as we entered, the rich aroma of coffee enveloping the air. Evelyn's eyes sparkled with curiosity, taking in the quaint surroundings of Harmony Grove's coffee haven.
I brought her here to lighten up the tension between us and the stress of her attack. I knew she was more burdened with it all than she let on, and I wanted something to spark joy in her. She wouldn’t admit it, but I did it anyway.
"Alexei, this place is charming," she exclaimed, a genuine smile lighting up her face. I felt my heart flutter at that smile, a peculiar feeling after spending centuries immune to the allure of women. She looked excited to be here.
I nodded, a hint of pride in my voice. "It's one of Harmony Grove's hidden gems. They've got the best coffee in town. And they have been around for a whole century." I whispered the last part, and she became even more excited.
As we settled into a cozy corner, the conversation effortlessly flowed between sips of coffee. The warmth of the beverage mirrored the ease that had developed between us, a camaraderie born out of shared mysteries and the pursuit of truth.
"So, what's the plan now?" Evelyn asked, her eyes filled with determination. Something about the passion she invested in her job made me happy.
I leaned back, contemplating the complexities that lay ahead. "We need to dig deeper into these strange occurrences. The attack on you—"
Evelyn interrupted, "That was not the work of our elusive killer?"
I shook my head. "No. It was a different person or someone working with the same group. It's making the hunt even more challenging. The man I killed is too weak to orchestrate the killing of eleven vampires. The other would have killed him before he even started. I have a feeling we are dealing with a team here."
Evelyn frowned, subtle vexation tugging at her features. "This killer is a shadow, leaving no trace. It's like they vanish into thin air."
"Exactly," I agreed. "Which is why we need to be cautious. The human aspect adds a layer of complexity. We can't rely on supernatural signs."
Our conversation shifted, and the topic veered towards the shadows of my own past—my missing sister, Ana. I hesitated before sharing the details, knowing that each word carried the weight of centuries-old secrets.
"Ana's beenmissing for two weeks now," I revealed, my gaze focused on the swirling patterns in my coffee. "But I couldn't declare her missing. Ana's a pure-blood vampire, the oldest and purest form. Announcing her disappearance could trigger unforeseen consequences. We have enemies."
Evelyn's eyes held a mix of understanding empathy, and a bit of fear. "Enemies? What kind of enemies does she have?"
"The kind that would exploit any sign of vulnerability," I explained, the weight of unspoken threats lingering in the air. "We're not just dealing with mere killers. There are forces at play, and I have a feeling that Ana’s disappearance is connected to them"
Evelyn absorbed the information, her expression reflecting a newfound understanding of the intricate web she had been drawn into.
