Fated By The Blood Moon

As the winding road turned suddenly and plunged her farther into the center of Silver Hollow, Rita Blake gripped the steering wheel tighter. Like a living creature, the mist clung to the earth as it deepened. On either side, the forest loomed, its dark, long shadows screaming warnings she chose to ignore. The ancient trees that bordered the route had twisted branches that jutted out across the road like bony fingers. In her headlights, a dense fog swirled menacingly, clinging to the woodland floor. Although the danger was nothing new to her, something was unsettling about this situation. Four disappearances in three months—no leads, no bodies, just rumors of shadowy people in the woods and weird cries in the night. The town square appeared as her car topped a hill. With its cobblestone lanes and well-lined stores, it appeared charming at first, but a closer inspection showed fissures underneath. The flickering neon sign of the neighborhood diner threw an unsettling red glow over the sidewalk, and the clock tower towered over everything, its hands locked at 10:15. Pulling her coat tightly against the cold, Rita parked her car and went outside. It was like the town itself didn't want her there because of how oppressive and heavy the air felt. She glanced at the few people who were lingering, their talks breaking off and eyes glaring when they saw her. Their eyes watched her every step, cautious and alert. Grimly, she thought, "How weird. Unfriendly place with unfriendly people." and made her way to the diner. She entered and was greeted by the jingle of the bell above the entrance, the fragrance of fried food and coffee, and warmth. A woman behind the counter raised her head, with her auburn hair wrapped back in a loose braid. Although she smiled warmly, her piercing green eyes appeared to absorb everything about Rita's appearance at once. She placed a menu on the counter as she greeted two people entering the front door, behind Rita. Facing Rita again, she asked, "Can I get you something?" "Coffee, please,” Rita replied and slid into a window-facing booth. Leaning forward, she waited till the waitress, whose name tag said "Mia," brought the steaming coffee. Rita stated quietly, "I'm actually here for something else. I'm looking into the disappearances that have been happening here in the past four months as a journalist." Mia's fingers tightened slightly on the table's edge as her smile wavered. She looked around the diner and said softly, "You shouldn't be asking about that." "Why not?" Rita persisted, her brows furrowed in deep curiosity. Mia paused, looking around at the other customers. "Because those who inquire too much in Silver Hollow also have a tendency to vanish." The mood in the diner changed before Rita could react or think about the implications of what she just heard. The air appeared to thicken, and a heavy hush descended. Before she even saw him, she sensed a presence that hung over the room like a storm cloud. A tall man who came in filled the entryway with his broad shoulders. His eyes were what caught her sight, but his dark hair framed a face full of sharp lines and hard edges. They were predatory, silver, and piercing, and they fastened onto her like a hunter assessing his victim. His boots reverberated across the worn floor as he took several big steps across the room. As he went by, the other customers turned away and shrank away. Rita felt his presence like a physical force when he paused at her booth. "Who are you? You clearly don't belong here," he states flatly, in a gravelly, low voice. Rita stood up straight, unblinking, in order not to appear intimidated. "I'm here to look for answers regarding the disappearances. I'm an investigative journalist.” His silver eyes darkened and his jaw tensed. "You ought to leave. Right now.” "Well, that is not possible until I understand what's happening. I won't be leaving." Rita states flatly as well, still unblinking as her eyes bore into his. After a moment of pause, Rita sees that the guy is not willing to back off and go on his way; she asks, “Who are you, by the way?” Both of them remained motionless for a minute as the tension between them crackled like static. The waitress, Mia, showed up next to him and touched his arm. "Oliver," she murmured. "Leave it be." Oliver Grey. Rita recognized the name instantly. She had read about the Grey family, who were wealthy and had a long history in Silver Hollow. Oliver's eyes remain fixed as he finally speaks again, "She is asking inappropriate questions." With a calm yet forceful tone, Mia retorted, "And scaring her off won't help." Oliver's eyes remained fixed on Rita as his jaw flexed and he took a step back. "Miss Blake, this town has secrets. Secrets that, if you're not careful, will devour you whole.” The dining door crashed open before Rita could ask any questions. A man with ripped clothes and a pallid face staggered in. His voice was shaking as he gasped, "They're coming!" "The shadows are approaching!" Customers scurried to their feet as panic swept through the cafe. As he took Rita's arm, Oliver's face darkened. "We must leave. Right now. Despite her senses telling her to follow him, Rita's curiosity held her steady. She froze when she looked out the window. There was movement in the fog. Someone, not something. Until the figure's eyes shone an odd yellow, and its long limbs moved in a way that was anything but human; it at least appeared to be someone. "Hey!" She was startled out of her reverie by Oliver's words. The glass broke and commotion broke out before she could comprehend what she was seeing.