Chapter Text
Sweet smell lingered and danced through the kitchen as the sun shone on the freshly baked pastries. Only the finishing touches left, and they were ready to greet the new resident.
’Goodness. What does this really mean when we think about it? Why and how does it shape our path before us?’ Edward stood on the podium with gratitude in his chest and confidence in his eyes. His gaze wandered over the crowd, the light making his white hair almost glowing as he spoke. He was always happy during the stakes, an unexplained power ran through his veins, making him believe he could do anything. So many believers drink his words of wisdom and look up at him.
The stake finished not so long after, the people slowly started to get out of the church while talking and laughing quietly, shaking Edward's hands in the meanwhile. After everyone left the building, a small group gathered around the priest waiting for him to sit down. He was not happy, he looked anxious, tired and scared. Even his voice now changed, quieter and gruffier. So many strange, unfamiliar signs appeared in the town and the walls around it, even this small group couldn’t decipher the meanings of it. The signs were all so different, scattered around various places in the town or near it, without any logical meaning behind. This time Edward felt hopeless.
’I don’t trust the new residents…nor those who want to flee.’ He sounded weary, looking through one of the windows before turning to the people in front of him. ’Jason, Ether please talk with those who want to move away, don’t be too pushy, but get to the point.’ The couple nodded.
’Martha, Agnes look through the signs again, searching for everything that might help understand this mess better. Look through the walls carefully, something is coming, and I want to be prepared. I cannot see anything in this chaos, and it makes my bones scatter.’ Martha's eyes sparkled at the thought of ancient books and study, she liked wandering through Edwards and the group's shared collection.
’Mai, Reyna, I trust you with the new ones. Please welcome them.’ With that he dismissed them all and got back into his study.
Not many new people came into Sundale, a family with three children, a young man and two older ladies moving next to each other. It was not a big change in this small town, but Edward liked to know about everyone. After all those years warding off the evil from his home, he liked to know every small detail about everyone and everything.
Mai decided that they should split the new residents between them so they would finish sooner, Reyna agreed, as she was also not so fond of these interrogations. Mai went to greet the family while Reyna got the ladies, and she got lucky as they were getting some tea together. Two birds with one stone she thought.
‘Good morning, ladies’ she greeted them with a basket of pastries and a big smile.
‘Oh darling, come in. Come, come’ the one who opened the door exclaimed happily and urged her inside.
‘Thank you. I’m Reyna.’ She stepped inside looking around the apartment ‘The town and the congregation is welcoming you ladies.’
‘So nice, thank you. I’m Amelie. Do you want some tea darling?’ asked the lady who let her in.
‘I’m sure she wants to.’ smiled the other woman ‘I’m Margaret from next door. You can also stop by me anytime.’
‘This place is sooo lovely, so quiet and cozy.’ Amelie placed a cup of tea in front of Reyna. ‘Everyone seems so nice, I think we will fit in.’ They both laughed and turned to Reyna.
Reyna left the ladies two and half an hour later with some sweets and fruits. They were really nice and adorable but nothing interesting regarding the supernatural. They left the city when their grandchildren got bigger, and the city got too loud for them. They choose this town since it’s near their families yet slower and more peaceful than their previous home. They are both widows and knew each other from before so it was a pleasant surprise seeing each other here. They were not related to the chaos in this town…
The hunters couldn’t get an answer to all these signs and happenings, and it was really annoying for all of them. It felt like that the answer was just right before them but out of reach. She knew that Edward was panicking as well, he felt hopeless and tired, she was sure that it drove him crazy. Mai called not so after Reyna left the ladies, she also didn’t find anything. According to her the family was the most boring people ever, they wanted their children to grow up in a family environment, nothing interesting or weird. She sighed, this will be more complicated than they thought, they need to act fast, this town doesn’t need another big case like the last one ... .so much blood and the cleaning after wasn’t exactly the easiest…
The sun was going down slowly, making the town feel so warm and inviting. Reyna walked home breathing deeply and lost in her thoughts, almost at the end of the town near her home, when she felt someone’s gaze on her. She looked up and saw her new neighbor looking out the window enjoying the sunset. He looked young, 30-ish, toned body and piercing eyes, he looked calm and quiet, yet she was sure that when he spoke it had meaning and depth. He was mysterious, at least that’s how she perceived him, his eyes gave it away, she just couldn’t look away. After like a minute she waved and smiled awkwardly, the stranger waved back with a warm smile. She needs to talk to him! Preferably right now, but since it was getting late, maybe it can wait for tomorrow. Quickly she turned around and hurried home, what was that? She was staring blankly at the road before her while she rushed home, replaying the awkward interaction between them over and over again. While she fumbled with her keys, she didn’t notice how he followed her with his gaze, his eyes almost glowing red.
A sweet smell lingered and danced through the kitchen as the sun shone on the freshly baked pastries. Only the finishing touches left, and they were ready to greet the new resident. Reyna quickly packed her things, looked at herself for the fifteenth time in the mirror contemplating on changing again, maybe this is too much for a simple hello. She was wearing a red and white squared plaid dress, with a big, knitted sweater. She looked as if she was dressed as a picnic blanket. Maybe it’s too much…. she glanced at the clock, already 10 am, okay no this will stay, she still had other things to do today. She took a deep breath, grabbed the small basket with pastries and walked towards the stranger’s house. Her heart started to beat faster as she walked closer to the house…what is happening right now? She was thinking about those two minutes they had yesterday…something in his eyes or presence grabbed her and still didn’t let go. He had some unexplainable atmosphere around him, Reyna was sure that he was a really interesting person, that she had to know better. Reyna stopped before the door, took a deep breath and knocked. A couple of seconds later the charming stranger opened the door towering over Reyna. He was wearing a black shirt fitting him really well. His hair was cut short but you could still see that he would have really curly hair with some white hairs here and there which made him look even more charming.
‘Hi, I’m Reyna from the opposite side of the road’ poked her head towards her house that was just in front of his ‘Welcome in Sundale from our little town and congregation’ she gave the basket to the man who smiled at her.
‘How nice’ his voice was deep and welcoming. ‘I hope it’s from you as well. I’m Damien’
Reyna smiled to herself, not the best name in this situation…
"Looks like today everyone is in a greeting feeling," he laughed and let a puzzled Reyna in but soon understood when she saw Mai sitting on his couch. Mai looked at her and shot her a questioning look regarding her fit, to which Reyna shook her head slightly in reply.
‘Mai, hii, I didn’t know you would be here.’ she smiled but her voice got a bit anxious. They had a schedule, why is she here?
‘I thought I would welcome our new neighbor, and you know how I like old Rick’s house.’ She shrugged. It was true, Mai spent a lot of time here before Rick died. He was not part of the hunters, just helped them with searching and mapping the forest which changed every so often. Mai helped him a lot while studying everything he did, slowly perfecting her skills.
‘Have a seat’ Damien pointed at the couch and got him a cup of coffee. ‘We were just talking about your town’s rich library. I’m somewhat of a collector myself.’ he looked back at the wall which had plenty of old books and pictures on it.
The room looked nice, nothing weird or eye-catching, everything seemed to be in order and be in place. It looked warm but antique somehow, like you just walked into a cozy antique store. There were some runes on the fireplace but nothing weird, just the commercial ones you can buy at any store.
‘Yes, we are really proud of this, Sundale has a really nice and long history. Check out our small museum too if you like this kinda stuff.’ she smiled into her cup.
‘Oh yes Mai mentioned.’ Mai grinned when Reyna looked at her, slightly annoyed ‘I don’t really know much about your town, what should I know, who should I befriend?’ he asked jokingly.
‘It’s a pretty calm place, no big bustle but we are never bored.’ started Mai.
‘We have a small congregation if you are into churches. They help a lot with the town’s life, right now they are planning a charity event for the school.’
‘Sounds nice.’ he said while staring at Reyna’s eyes.
‘Don’t want to be pushy but can I use your bathroom?’ Reyna looked at him with pleading eyes.
‘Sure, it’s down the hallway on the left.’ he then turned to Mai.
‘And why Sundale?’ Reyna heard as Mai started to chit chat while she walked towards the hallway. She glanced back and turned to the right room, which was his bedroom, at least should be.
She was right, although the room was really messy. Boxes everywhere, clothes scattered on the bed, some documents and letters on the bed and table. Reyna quickly ran through it, nothing interesting, looked through the drawer, most of it was empty, but one of them had some strange looking rocks or crystals in it next to some cigars. Nothing out of the ordinary. She hurried into the bathroom, flushed the toilet quickly and went back to the others.
‘My mother always told me; you can only be happy when your home is happy also.’ Damien glanced at Reyna as she walked back.
‘Then you are at the right place.’ Mai nodded.
‘I think we should leave soon, don’t want to bother you’ Reyna turned to Mai who nodded and got up.
‘Thank you for the coffee.’ They smiled at him.
‘I thank you for the welcome.’ He let them out and disappeared into the house.
‘Why didn’t’ you call me? Reyna scolded Mai who just shrugged.
‘It was so long ago when we did it together.’
‘Still’ she mumbled and walked towards their home.
‘Also, what is this dress?’ Mai looked at her with a smirk. Reyna rolled her eyes then let them in. ‘Did you find anything?’ Reyna shook her head ‘Me neither’
They sat on the couch in silence, this all didn’t make any sense. None of the new ones had anything and none of the leaving ones were suspicious either as they heard from the others. This shitshow should end soon because it started to be scary being this lost and seeing Edward being this anxious about it didn’t help at all. Deep down they both had some doubts about all this but quickly buried it inside them.
‘I’m not sleeping home tonight.’ Mai broke the silence ‘Jason and I will have a movie night’ she winked and went into her room.
Reyna sat there for a while looking out the window, glancing over Damien's house from time to time hoping maybe she would glance him…What is happening to her? She shook her head and got up; she needed to get some fresh air.
‘I will go for a walk,’ she shouted to Mai who hummed back something from her room. Reyna grabbed her backpack and headed out towards the forest. Her head was full of theories, she felt dizzy thinking through everything. Why can’t things be easier for once? Just being oblivious to all this stupid paranormal shit sounded so nice in these times. She was thinking through the stuff Edward told them about this, him sensing something strong and powerful being coming here. All the dead animals scattered around the forest and some weird power keeping most of them in the town. She trusted him blindly but this time things just didn’t add up, nothing else seemed to be out of the ordinary, maybe Edward is just… No…she needs to think harder about it, there must be some connection.
Amélie's house had nothing interesting in it, some old family pictures, small decor statues from antique markets, the only weird thing was the small flower tattoo on her arm. She was clean. Margaret…well she didn't see her house but she had a feeling it was similar to her friends. Mai said the family was also okay, so they were crossed off the list of suspects.
Damien, well he also had nothing weird in his house but around him, his aura or something was keeping him in her mind.
Reyna was walking deeper into the forest on the well known trail, carefully not to have any misstep. Birds were chirping outside as she continued, she felt the fog in her head getting clearer, getting calmer. The forest always helped her.
After a couple of minutes Reyna stopped by a small creek, she sat down on a big rock and put her hand in the water. She closed her eyes as the cold water ran around her fingers. It felt nice, thank god for being alone for a bit, just her and the forest, shielding her away from all the stupidness from the town.
‘Hi!’ Suddenly a man's voice disturbed her peace.
‘Henry, hi.’ Reyna looked at him a bit startled, didn't expect anyone to be here.
‘Are you all right?’ He looked at her with some worry on his face. Henry was tall and slim, his blonde hair and almost grey eyes made him look like he just stepped out of a magazine. He was a long time resident in the town, working at a paper shop from god knows when. He liked to talk and just be everywhere, so his presence was not the most wanted right now. He was always kind and tried to be funny but right now Reyna needed some alone time.
‘Sure, just a free day today’ she smiled and he sat down beside her. Great…
‘And you decided to go on a hike looking like that?’ He gestured towards her dress. ‘Don't get me wrong you look really pretty, but…’
‘It was a sudden decision’ Reyna laughed. ‘And you? I thought you were sick?
‘Nah, it was probably just a cold and fresh air helps a lot. Especially when I'm lost.’ He leaned closer, never breaking eye contact.
‘Lost? What do you mean?’
‘Midlife crisis or just bored with how my life is going. I need some spice!’ He combed through his hair with a smug look. ‘I think I want a new job for a start.’
‘I thought you liked your job but I understand.’
‘Well yes it is chilly but there are not so many exciting things to do in a paper shop. I need something new, something bigger. So I quit today.’ He shrugged.
‘You what? And what's your plan for now?
‘I applied for bartending at Joe's bar.’he flashed a big smile.
‘At Joe's bar? But do you have any experience with it? He is really picky with that.’ Reyna looked at him with a questioning look.
‘I'm a quick learner.’
They talked for a while and actually it felt nice for Reyna that she could connect with someone who is not part of that demonic fuckery. Henry was really good at talking, it seemed that he always knew what to say. He had a talent to be entertaining. After half an hour they decided to walk home. He asked about the newcomers, if Reyna knew something about them since some of them lived near her, about the charity event, he just talked about everything while they walked. Henry escorted Reyna home, awkwardly hugged her and started walking towards his home a couple of streets away. Reyna walked to the window slightly pulling the curtain and watching him walk past Damien's house. Henry walked confidently looking at the sky when suddenly he spotted Damien sitting on his front porch. Damien raised his cup greeting the other man for which Henry froze for a second. Like he couldn't believe his eyes, raised his hand awkwardly then hurried away glancing back at the other, over and over almost stumbling on his feet. It was such a surreal sight Reyna couldn't believe her eyes, Henry isn't an easily scared person yet right now he looked terrified. Do they know each other?
Damien looked at the almost running man and his mouth and laughed into his cup while drinking his coffee. He then turned to Reyna who was still looking out the window in awe and waved at her. Reyne quickly stepped away to hide. This man is getting more and more stranger.
The next day Reyna got up early, although she is a hunter she still has a civil job to keep up the act. She works at the local market. Edward thought that it would help the hunters keep their sanity at least a bit more. It was five am when she stumbled out of bed trying to not fall asleep while getting ready. She freshened up, got dressed and sat in the kitchen with some hot coffee, hoping it would flow through her veins and make her sleepiness go away.
The mornings at the shop were always feeling like an infinite moment you can never escape. The fact that Mary was talking about her holiday, almost making a presentation with the cans while speaking didn’t really help and that Christopher fled into the backroom to “count the stocks” was a stab in the back. After an hour of torture Agnes came into the shop soon followed by Edward. Reyna’s eyes sparkled, maybe she can get some info out of them. She followed them with her eyes but it didn’t seem like they wanted to chitchat right now.
‘Reyna’ greeted Edward, placing his basket at the counter.
‘Edward, hi how are you?’
‘Marvellous. We are organizing the charity for the weekend, so exciting. Almost done but we still have some things to do.’
‘And what will be the theme for it?’ she talked while ringing up his products.
‘The paradise’ smiled Edward.
‘How nice.. I can stop by later if you need help.’
Edward nodded, paid and left the store. Not much new info from him… Agnes was still here though, with that Reyna walked up to her carefully so Mary wouldn’t hear them.
‘Did you find anything?’ whispered while looking at the napkins before her.
‘Honestly no… The walls are untouched, so if there was anything on it, it disappeared, the forest is the same chaos as always. I don’t understand why he panics so much. If this is about some dead birds or the blood moon from a couple of weeks ago it all points towards a witch or a demon at max. Or maybe he is just getting old.’ she shrugged. Reyna couldn’t believe her ears, how can she think that, yes she had that thought also but it’s Edward, even though he is getting old he had never been this afraid before.
‘You cannot say that.’ she shot her a serious look ‘I’m sure something is up, he has never been like this before.
‘Maybe or maybe he just needs some rest.’ Agnes shrugged and continued with her shopping.
Reyna was in her thoughts for the rest of the day, maybe Agnes was right and Edward misread all the signs and made a fuss bigger than necessary, yet something still didn’t add up, something unexplained still lingered in the town.
After her painfully long shift Reyna walked home in the dusk, deep down she hoped Edward was wrong and it’s all just a false alarm. She smiled at the thought of a well deserved break, at least from the hunt. She was getting closer to her home when she saw a car parked in the driveaway. A familiar car… As she walked close to the gate she heard some talking from behind, she walked back slowly, grabbing her phone just in case. One of the sources was a muscular man with really short hair in a worn old leather jacket who turned around the instant he heard Reyna walk towards them.
‘At last…I just wanted to call.’ he flashed a big smile.
‘Bronco!’
‘Did you forget about me? He looked at her with playful hurtness. ‘My own sister forgot me…’
‘Noooo.’ she lied, she completely forgot about him coming this weekend ‘But I gave you a key, why are you outside?’
‘Yes yes, but I ran into you neighbour.’ Bronco stepped away a bit revealing Damien who was looking at Reyna the whole time. She could swear that his eyes glowed for a moment, but maybe it was just her imagination.
‘I wanted to give back your basket, the pastries were really good, thank you.’
‘Ah it was nothing, really, glad you liked it.’ she took the basket from him, brushing his hand while doing so. Why is he so soft?? Whait, what?? She smiled awkwardly and could feel Bronco’s smug look burning her side.
‘I will be off now. Thank you again.’ smiled at Reyna once more ‘And glad we met’ he shook Bronco’s hand and left.
Bronco was practically grinning at the site before him.
‘He is niiice’ he said with a weird tone.
‘Oh come onnn, here we go again.’ she groaned as she let them in the house.
Damien hummed to himself on the short way home, the people were all so nice, and his new home was really comfortable and met his taste. Almost like in a dream. He got inside, closed the door and pulled out his phone.
I found them. Stay alert! He sent the message and went towards his bedroom with a light mood.