Chapter 10: Voices Beneath the Moon (Part 1)
The old community hall of Hollow Creek had not hosted a gathering in years. Dust clung to the rafters like shadows, and the warped floorboards groaned under the weight of renewed purpose. Tonight, it had been brought back to life—not with celebration, but with apprehension. The faint scent of mildew lingered in the air, but it was overpowered by something stronger: tension.
Rows of folding chairs filled the space, occupied by townsfolk with tightly folded arms and suspicious eyes. Some sat stiffly, their jaws clenched, their hats held like shields in their laps. Others whispered in clusters, too far back to be seen clearly but close enough to stir unease.
Emma stood just outside the hall, staring at the cracked steps leading to the doors. The
