Chapter 1

Startled awake in the dead of night, my heart raced as I tried to make sense of the chaos unfolding around me. The absence of sunlight and the eerie silence, devoid of the usual chirping of birds, only heightened my unease. With a mixture of confusion and fear, I could hear my parents hurriedly packing, their urgency present.

"Leon, could you please help your mother pack a travel suitcase?" My father's voice echoed through the house, filled with a sense of urgency that matched the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I had just returned home for a college break, expecting a peaceful time with my family. But now, faced with this unexpected turmoil, I couldn't afford to stay idle in bed trying to comprehend the situation. My room had been reorganized, I stumbled around trying to make my way to the door. Which lead to the hallway that the staircase downstairs was.

A sudden crash from downstairs jolted me out of my thoughts. "Hey Mom, Dad, is everything alright down there?" I called out, my voice trembling with a mix of concern. Determination fueled my actions as I quickly slipped on my house shoes and grabbed a bat that rested by my door before opening it for protection. With each step I took, the weight of the unknown pressed upon me, intensifying my senses. My hand traced the cold wall to keep me steady in the dead of night.

As I descended the stairs, my heart pounded in my chest, matching the rapid pace of my footsteps. The scene that greeted me at the bottom sent a shiver down my spine. I saw my parents engaged in a tense conversation with a tall, unfamiliar man in a black tailored suit. It became clear that he was the cause of my late-night awakening.

Drawing closer, I noticed the man raise his hand in my direction, while my mother's face grew alarmingly pale. "Leon, go upstairs and get your bags. We're leaving!" My mother's urgent demand pierced through the air, a mix of fear and determination etched on her face.

"Where do you think you're taking my son, Melinda?" The stranger's voice held an air of authority, his words laced with a hint of menace. I paused, my gaze shifting between my parents and the enigmatic man. They spoke in hushed tones, their words barely audible to my ears. My mother's eyes pleaded with me to obey her, to go upstairs. In that moment, I should have listened.

As I hesitated, the man's hand came down with a swift, brutal strike against my mother. My father's anguished cry filled the room as he pulled her protectively into his embrace. The sight froze me in fear, my mind struggling to comprehend the events unfolding before me. The stranger then knelt down, his steely gaze fixed on my mother's face. My father, usually strong and resilient, remained seated, his eyes devoid of their usual warmth, leaving me with a chilling sense of foreboding.

"I'm deeply sorry you had to witness that, son," the stranger's voice carried a strange mix of regret and uncertainty. "This woman you call mother is fine for now. I've been searching for you since you turned ten. The situation is still too early to explain fully, but I'll be back." His cryptic words hung in the air, shrouded in mystery. As the room spun around me, I struggled to stay upright, fighting to keep my eyes open. But the darkness swallowed me whole, and I succumbed to unconsciousness.

As I opened my eyes, the view outside the car window revealed a sprawling cityscape. Tall buildings reached for the sky, their windows reflecting the early morning sunlight. The streets were filled with cars and bustling pedestrians, each person lost in their own world. The city seemed alive, vibrant, and full of possibilities.

But as we continued to drive, the scenery gradually transformed. The towering buildings gave way to smaller structures, and the busy streets became less crowded. The signs of urban life began to fade, replaced by the gradual emergence of nature.

And then, in an instant, the city disappeared completely. The concrete jungle was replaced by a serene forest, as if nature had taken over. The road stretched ahead, flanked by tall trees and a thick canopy of leaves. The air was fresh and crisp, carrying with it the scent of earth and the faint rustling of wildlife.

As we ventured further into the forest, the road led us to a solitary bus station, long abandoned and showing signs of neglect. The paint on the walls was peeling, and the windows were cracked. The once vibrant colors had faded, blending into the somber hues of the surrounding trees. It was a stark contrast to the city we had left behind, a symbol of the change and uncertainty that lay ahead.

My parents remained tight-lipped, only telling me that my uncle will tell me everything; their faces filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. They refused to explain the events of the previous night, leaving me in a state of confusion and curiosity. Instead, they handed me two sets of keys and a bus ticket, their silent message clear. My uncle in Highland would be the one to reveal the truth, to provide the answers I desperately sought.

With a heavy heart and a sense of resignation, I stepped out of the car, leaving behind the familiarity of the city and embracing the unknown of the forest. The weight of the unspoken events pressed upon me, but I knew that the journey ahead would bring clarity and perhaps even a sense of purpose, a bus pulled into the station, its doors opening with a hiss. I glanced back at my parents one last time, their faces filled with a mixture of love, worry, and sadness. The bus driver, a kind-hearted woman with a warm smile, greeted me as I approached. Her eyes held a comforting reassurance, as if she understood the turmoil that was coursing through my veins.

"Hello there," she said, her voice soothing. "Are you heading somewhere specific?"

I hesitated for a moment, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. Where was I going? What was waiting for me at the end of this journey? But deep down, I knew that I had to find out the truth, to uncover the mysteries that had shattered the peaceful facade of my life.

"I...I believe I'm going to Highland." I finally replied, my voice betraying the mix of emotions that swirled within me.

The bus driver's smile softened, and she patted the seat next to her. "Hop on, dear. Sometimes the journey itself holds the answers we seek."

With a glimmer of hope, I stepped onto the bus and found a seat near the front. As the other passengers settled in, the bus rumbled to life, its engine humming with a sense of purpose. The world outside the window blurred into a whirlwind of landscapes, each passing moment bringing me closer to an uncertain destination.

As we ventured farther away from the familiar, I couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation mingling within. The road stretched out before us, winding through alluring towns and verdant countryside. Each passing mile brought a new chapter to my life, a chance to discover who I truly was. Leon glanced at his ticket, his destination marked as Highland Grove. He felt a sense of unease as he realized he had left his phone behind and hadn't been able to say goodbye to his girlfriend. The dense fog and dew-covered trees outside only added to the unfamiliarity of his surroundings. As he gazed out the window, a herd of deer caught his attention. They seemed to be in a hurry, as if running away from something. And then, he saw her, a figure so blurry that he questioned if she was even real.

Startled, Leon wiped the condensation off the window, but she was gone, and so was the herd of deer. Instinctively, he reached for his silver rosary, grasping it tightly. Just as the cryptic words and ice cold touch took root into his mind. He gave up hope once his eye and nose raced around the bus to see the passengers in tore bloody heaps. A familiar voice called out from the front of the bus. It was Leon's uncle, standing tall and imposing, his presence commanding attention. His face was etched with determination as he stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Leon's.

Without hesitation, his uncle swiftly moved towards the monster, his movements calculated and precise. The monster, sensing the impending danger, let out a guttural growl, its menacing form ready to attack. But before it could reach Leon, his uncle unleashed a series of powerful strikes, each blow landing with a resounding impact. The monster staggered back, momentarily subdued by his uncle's strength and skill. Leon's uncle finished off the monster with a silver object embedded it into the monster chest.

See that his nephew was in no state to move on his on his uncle seized the opportunity, swiftly grabbed him and guided him towards his pickup truck, the engine humming with anticipation. They wasted no time as they sped away from the scene, leaving the horror behind. In the safety of the vehicle, Leon's uncle spared a brief moment to exchange glances with him, a mixture of concern and understanding passing between them.

However, knowing that Leon was still mentally shaken from the ordeal, his uncle remained silent, allowing him the space to process the unimaginable events that had transpired. The journey to his uncle's estate in the north side of Highland Grove continued in silence, interrupted only by the hum of the engine and the occasional rustling of leaves.

As they drove, Leon's uncle kept a watchful eye on him, his gaze filled with a mix of protectiveness and reassurance. He knew that words alone would not be enough to ease the trauma that had befallen his nephew. Instead, he focused on providing a sense of safety and comfort, allowing Leon to rest and recover from the harrowing encounter.

Their conversation remained minimal, acknowledging the weight of the unspoken, but understanding that time and healing were necessary before delving into the details of the night's events. Leon's uncle knew that once they arrived at the estate, there would be ample opportunity to address the questions and fears that haunted his nephew's mind.

With each passing mile, the landscape shifted, leaving behind the eerie forest and revealing the grandeur of the estate. The imposing iron gates opened to welcome them, as if offering a sanctuary from the unknown. Leon's uncle guided him inside, ensuring he was safely within the walls that held the promise of solace and answers.

Once they reached the estate, Leon's uncle gently guided him to a quiet room, dimly lit and adorned with comforting furnishings. He urged Leon to rest, understanding that the road to recovery would be a long one. With a reassuring touch on his shoulder, Leon's uncle silently promised to be there every step of the way.

As Leon lay on the bed, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Despite the horrors he had witnessed, Leon wanted answers After quickly showering to calm himself, the doorbell rang, interrupting his thoughts. Wrapped in a towel, he hurried downstairs to answer it. To his surprise, a sheriff and two deputies stood outside. Confused, he greeted them, sensing that this was not a friendly visit. The sheriff showed him a picture of the bus driver, asking if he knew her. It was the same woman from his dream. But who was the man in the photo? Confused and overwhelmed, Leon rubbed his head, trying to gather his thoughts.

"I'm sorry, I don't recall meeting her," he replied honestly. The sheriff's eyes filled with sorrow and grief as he handed Leon his card. He pointed at the handprint on his neck, asking about it. Thinking quickly, Leon made up a story about getting into a fight before leaving home. The lead deputy questioned whether he had been on the bus she was driving, but he denied it, explaining that his parents had dropped him off at his uncle's house.

Just then, Leon's uncle's silver pickup truck pulled up, relieving him. His uncle greeted the deputies, calling them by name. They explained their reason for questioning Leon, but his uncle assured them that he couldn't have been on the bus. As they left, his uncle's gaze lingered on him with a grin. Something about this place, Highland Falls, felt full of mystery and surprises. Unable to resist my curiosity, I ran upstairs to the room where the noise had come from before the deputies arrived. Unable to control my own movement, I found myself running upstairs to the bedroom where the noise had originated from. I hesitantly twisted the door handle and peeked inside. Standing there, wearing a big, dirty white shirt, was the girl I had seen on my way to this town. She had short black locks, but it wasn't just her appearance that caught my attention. The fragrance that emanated from her was incredibly alluring and familiar. I blinked, and when I opened my eyes again, she was standing right in front of me. She appeared to be in her twenties.

Taken aback by her proximity, I blurted out, "Uh, a little too close?" I couldn't believe I had said that out loud. Her voice echoed into my ear as she asked, "Do you remember?" The words tripped over each other as I tried to respond. She tugged at my rosary and kissed me, causing my towel to fall off. I scrambled to put it back on as I heard her laughter and watched her run downstairs. "I'll see you soon, Leon," her elegant voice vanished as mysteriously as it had come.

Getting dressed I could still hear my uncle downstairs, entering the kitchen he saw the door leading to the garage was open. As Leon entered the garage, he couldn't help but marvel at the collection of vehicles his uncle owned. Rows of sleek cars and motorcycles lined the spacious area, a testament to his uncle's extravagant lifestyle. However, Leon's attention was drawn to one vehicle in particular - a glossy black motorcycle, its sleek design exuding power and adventure.

Leon approached the motorcycle, his fingers grazing the smooth surface. He had always been intrigued by motorcycles, but had never had the opportunity to ride one. Sensing his nephew's curiosity, his uncle appeared beside him, a knowing smile on his face.

"Leon, this is your ride," his uncle said, handing him a set of keys. "I thought it would be a good way for you to explore the town and get around while you're here."

Leon's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. He couldn't believe his uncle had entrusted him with such a powerful sports bike. It was a symbol of freedom and independence, a chance for him to leave behind the uncertainties of his past and embrace the unknown.

"Thank you, Uncle," Leon said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'll take good care of it."

His uncle nodded, his gaze filled with a mixture of pride and concern. "Remember, Leon, there's more to this town than meets the eye. Keep your wits about you, and trust your instincts. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I have urgent business to take care of, head to the bookstore in town they'll have a book that give you and understanding of what we are going to be facing in the coming days."

Leon nodded, his determination solidifying, but his uneasiness grew more. He knew that his parents, the guy that was at his house and his uncle knew about something and where hesitant telling him, so all he could do is find his own answers. Even if it meant facing the darkness that lurked within. With a final glance at his uncle, he swung his leg over the motorcycle, the engine roaring to life beneath him.

As he rode through the winding streets of Highland Falls, Leon couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The town seemed oddly silent, the air heavy with an unspoken tension. But he pressed on, his curiosity driving him forward.

Soon, he found himself in the heart of town, surrounded by quaint shops and cafes. People bustled about, their faces a mix of familiarity and curiosity. Leon could feel their eyes on him, their whispers lingering in the air. It was as if the townsfolk sensed something different about him, something that set him apart.

Determined to find answers, Leon parked his motorcycle and walked towards a small bookstore. The bell above the door chimed softly as he entered, the scent of old books filling his nostrils. The shopkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, looked up from her book and smiled warmly.

"Welcome, young man," she said, her voice filled with wisdom. "How can I assist you today?"

Leon hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. But then, he remembered the photo the sheriff had shown him, the woman from his dreams. Perhaps this bookstore held some answers.

"Actually, I just moved here I stay in the Hart Estate on the hillside of Highland grove with my Uncle Eric," Leon said, his voice steady. "A woman. She... she appeared before me with sharp rows of teeth, and hands cold to the touch ."

The shopkeeper's eyes twinkled with intrigue. "Ah, the mysteries of Highland Grove. They run deep, young man. Come, let me show you a book that might shed some light on what you seek."

Leon followed the shopkeeper to a dusty shelf, where she carefully pulled out an old leather-bound book. Its title read, "Legends and Lore of Highland Grove: Unveiling the Supernatural."

"This book holds the secrets of our town," the shopkeeper explained. "It delves into the legends and creatures that have haunted these lands for centuries. Perhaps you'll find the answers you're looking for within its pages."

Grateful for the guidance, Leon took the book and thanked the shopkeeper. As he left the bookstore, he felt a surge of determination and fear as for what he was stepping into. He would dive into the pages of the book, uncovering the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface of Highland Falls.

With the wind in his hair and the weight of the book in his bag, Leon mounted his motorcycle once again. He knew that this journey would not be easy, that he would face unimaginable challenges along the way. And with every twist of the throttle, he propelled himself further into a world where dreams and reality intertwined, where the line between the ordinary and the supernatural blurred.

The next morning, I listened to a recorded message left on the house phone by my father. Despite the potential importance of the message, I deleted it. They had sent me away without any explanation or a proper goodbye. After showering, I walked into my room, using a towel to dry my hair. Thoughts of the woman and what had happened on that bus consumed my mind. To my surprise, there were clothes in the dresser that fit me perfectly. I quickly dressed in a navy-blue button-up shirt, blue jeans, and a simple pair of white shoes. Grabbing the keys, the book I got yesterday and the nee phone from the stand, I made my way to the garage downstairs.

The silence in the house indicated that my uncle had already left for work. As I opened the garage door, the light flooded in, revealing my black motorcycle parked inside. I secured my one-strap backpack tightly to my back and inserted the key into the ignition. As I accelerated down the driveway take in the estate paved drive way and the open fields that stretched for about a mile, the main gates open and Leon road towards the town, the necklace I wore pressed against my chest.

Weaving through traffic and effortlessly maneuvering between lanes, I made my way to the city. I could feel the stares of people as I removed my helmet. My distraction with my bike had made me forget about my surroundings. Bringing the bike to a stop, I parked it in a parallel parking space in front of a store. As I took off my helmet, I noticed people still staring at me. My stomach churned with nervousness. I had become so absorbed in my bike that I had forgotten about the world around me.

Leaving my helmet on the bike, I hurried into the closest candy shop, grabbing a bag of jawbreakers. As I made my way to the register to check out, I accidentally bumped into a girl with blonde hair, causing her to fall to the ground. Apologetically, I reached out my hand to help her up. "I'm sorry, my name is Leon. I totally didn't see you there." But she tore her arm away from my grasp and disappeared into the crowd. I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with me. Was I some sort of magnet for negativity? In just two days, I had met two beautiful women, and both had run away from me.

After paying for my candy, I popped a jawbreaker into my mouth and asked the cashier for directions to the university could be. As I put on my helmet and prepared to head to college on my bike, a soft voice whispered in my ear. I turned to see the girl who had intruded into my home, embracing the back of my neck. "Hey Leon, you're heading to the college, right?" she asked. "Yeah," I replied. Without hesitation, she took my spare helmet from my bike and got on behind me.

As I started the bike and began to ride, I could hear my own heart pounding in my ears. Her chest pressed against my back, and I knew I needed to calm down. After all, I still had a girlfriend. I slid my helmet down and tried to focus. I glanced back to see her smiling before I took off towards the college.

She showed me where the freshmen parking was, but before I could ask her name, she disappeared once again. I didn't have time to dwell on it as a guy nearby shouted, "Hey new guy, duck!" A baseball came flying towards my head, but my hand instinctively reached out and caught it. The ball flew out of the parking lot, leaving five people walking to orientation speechless. I threw the ball back to the pitcher, realizing he could have seriously hurt someone.

"Dude, that was freaking cool! How did you do that?" a guy said, speaking way too fast and looking funny with his glasses. "I just caught it?" I shrugged my shoulders. "No one can just catch a fast ball from Derrick Fisher Jr., the star pitcher of NSU," he exclaimed. The bell rang, and he tapped me to follow him to the freshmen orientation.

"My name is Drew," he said as we walked. "Leon Smith," I replied, picking up my pace. "What's your major?" Drew asked. "I don't have one. I'm more of a sports guy," I explained. "That's also my class. Follow me," he said.

We skipped orientation and walked into the class together. Word had traveled fast, as everyone seemed to be looking at me and whispering. The teacher pointed to a table near the door, and I made my way over. "Hey, look, the new guy and Claudia are sitting together," I overheard someone say. I ignored the whispers and giggles.

The teacher announced that we would be doing group work, and that's when I wished I had stayed home. I wasn't much of a talkative person back home, and I had taken this class partly because of my girlfriend. I could feel her eyes on me, and it couldn't be a coincidence that she was in my class. I had been seeing her since I arrived here, and that was already creepy enough. But at least she was cute. My skin tingled as she whispered in my ear, "Are you good at acting?" Her lips brushed against my ear, causing me to fall out of my chair. The class and the teacher looked at me, and she let out another cute laugh. "Hey, my name is Claudia," she said, helping me back into my seat.

"Hey, Claudia," I replied, turning around to get a good look at her. "You smell nice," she commented. I realized it was the new body wash I had used. When the bell rang, I grabbed my bag and left the class. On my way to the cafeteria, Claudia whispered in my ear once again and then vanished. I started to think of her as the ghost girl.

I grabbed a burger from the automated machine and found a seat at the emptiest table. Surprisingly, the machine-made burger tasted amazing. The tangy mustard and cheddar cheese blended perfectly in my mouth. I hoped for some peace and quiet in the cafeteria, but as a freshman in college, that was wishful thinking. It seemed like everyone came here to gossip and do anything but relax. As I sat at my table, I play down the book about supernaturals and hunter on the table and begun to read into it. Then another set of trays were placed down, I noticed Drew with his glasses off and a girl I had never met before.

"Hey, I'm Cassidy. And that's a nice relic you got there," she said, flicking the spine of my book. She had black hair, almost translucent skin, and wore glasses.

"Leon," I replied, reaching for my bookmark and tucking it inside bag.

"I hear you're quite the ladies' man," Cassidy remarked. She was a bit pale for my taste, but I could see that Drew had a thing for her.

"By chance, are you two dating?" I asked Drew.

"Yeah, for about two years now," he replied, and suddenly the whole cafeteria fell silent. Even Drew and Cassidy were quiet and staring behind me.

"Hey, what are you two looking at?" I turned around.

Before I knew it, Claudia's lips were on mine, and the cafeteria came alive again. Her kiss was soft, moist, and warm, just like the last time. I could feel an electric current shooting up from my chest. I tried to push her away, but she didn't budge. Remorse and anger filled my mind. Not only did she kiss me, but I let her do it. What am I going to tell Nicole when she comes to visit me?

"I couldn't help myself; you smell so good," Claudia said, pulling away and winking before leaving my table.

"Oh, hoho, that's not good," Drew said. It was just a harmless kiss, I thought.

"It's not like she has a boyfriend, right?" I said, smugly.

"A boyfriend? Leon, he's that pitcher who threw that fast ball at you!" Drew exclaimed.

I couldn't believe it. Why would Claudia do that? And she has a boyfriend who happens to be the star on campus. I couldn't wait for my last class to end. If being spotted by Derrick would make this situation worse, I needed to sneak to my motorcycle. Evidently just as I was about to leave, a black jeep cut me off, and Derrick hopped out, throwing me into the truck next to my bike.

"Yo Smith!" he shouted, delivering a punch that made my face smack into the truck door. "You think you can kiss my girl and get away with it?" he continued, going for another punch.

I grabbed his legs and slammed him onto his back, trying to get on top of him. But he kicked me in the chest, and my rosary fell out from under my shirt. I backed off, and as we both stood up, I felt a burning sensation, as if I were on fire. Derrick charged at me, tackling me into the truck, leaving a dent in the door. He knocked the air out of my lungs and punched me in the face, causing blood to fill my mouth. It tasted sweet yet metallic. I was dazed, as this was my first fist fight. Throughout the fight, I noticed Derrick's eyes had a golden hue.

Before he could deliver a final blow to my face, Drew grabbed his arms. "That's enough, right?" he said. Derrick snatched away from Drew and drove off in his jeep. Cassidy ran over to help me up, but I pulled away. If she had just intervened earlier, maybe I wouldn't be in this mess now. Claudia sat in the passenger seat of Derrick's truck, watching me. Did she set me, As I pondered whether Claudia had set me up, my head throbbed with pain. I struggled to make my way to my bike, popping a jawbreaker into my mouth before sliding on my helmet.

"Hey, Leon, man, you got hit pretty hard. Let me take you home, bro," Drew offered.

"Maybe if you had, I don't know, stopped him after I got hit the first time, I wouldn't even have a headache right now!" I snapped, frustration evident in my voice. Cassidy shook her head disapprovingly, and Drew turned away, walking off.