Dusk Till Dawn Triple Town

Family

Aunt Mary's POV.

Room 9, in Bed,

Parazolè Hotel,

Coiners road, Bulio.

9th July.

My dear Mary,

To what do I owe this honor, you're actually reading this aren't you? Well, I thought you wouldn't because, most of my letters sent to you remains unread till this date.

Anyways, a little ming told me you're having troubles these past few weeks. Just say the word and we'll have our wedding on that beach side at the extreme end of Inex. Okay so that's settled...

I also heard, Alice is doing well, and we haven't had any rival attack between her and your nephew. That seems to be going according to plan, the little bonding of respect to erase any trace of hate. Hopefully it would work out right.

It's such a tragedy to hear that our dear Sunny is in such a state. Lady Georgia must be devastated for her not have found Rose or Violet and not to mention pebbles. I regret not having been there, I had some things to take care of.

I'm sure that doesn't bother you, except the fact that you're losing guests. Money's always on your mind, that's one of the things I love about you. You're so practical, you wouldn't even blink at death knocking on your door. But that's not the point.

It seems to me an old friend as returned. Trouble's back at the headquarters and we need you back. It might take a week or two, but surely you can leave the inn for a few weeks in the hands of her ladyship. She's the most trust worthy. After all, she does makes the best home (and pies) and she's responsible.

Okay... I think I've said enough. Don't want this letter to get to the wrong hands, that's why I'm keeping it simple. It might take a while for you to decode this, but I hope you do eventually.

Your future awaits,

The man in pyjamas.

PS: let Alice know what she's supposed to know, before it's too late. She needs to know.

PPS: He has returned from where we thought he would not, He comes seeking for knowledge only to lead to destruction, He comes wearing a mask of good covering the evil he hides. For all you know, he isn't just after revenge. Our old friend his back.

"That old, blundering fool." I mumbled as I ripped the letter. The i***t sure knows how to make a terrible situation seem like a stroll in the pack on a sunny day. And to talk of the time wasted by reading that. Can't remember where I met that lazy man.

"Losing guests, he says."

The nerve of him. I thought as I got dressed. If it wasn't for the rumors that spread, none of these would have happened. Thanks to that good for nothing girl.

The redhead always seemed to be daydreaming. Foolish dreams, should have been conversant with her surroundings. Serves her right, maybe next time she'll pay attention to what she's does. Can't afford to pay and not receive enough services.

Then there's her good for nothing sisters. I'm sure they weren't truly adducted. Must have eloped with some foolish lad. They shouldn't bother coming back, if they do they aren't getting a dime from me.

Also, those money thieving b#stards that calls themselves The agency of misused spell disciplinary committee. Agency my foot, sending me letters about attack spells being used in my premises. Under my nose? What other creative lie do they come up with these days?

And now, there are more demon attacks circulating the whole town. If people minded their business in the first place, none of these would have happened. Tell the kids not to stay up late, instead they turn their head and wag their tales like the donkeys they are.

I lit a cigarette, a habit I haven't seemed to drop whenever I'm worked up. The taste is so unpleasant but addicting. Might as well finished the pack, since there was only two left.

Now, where was I..., thought to myself as I inhaled.

And that i***t nephew of mine. Not able to track that sonofabitch of a demon. What a disgrace to the family, what kinda of boy has seventeen set of combs and talks to the mirror?

The whole thing's just a scam. I'm sure that good for nothing hotel owner's just trying to kick me out of business. Oh I'll show him not to mess with Mary Antoinette Malone.

Sighing, I took another drag as I thought of all the paper work at my desk. Bills that needs to be paid, taxes to avoid, balance sheets to make, appliances that needs to be fixed, structures that needs renovations, staffs that needs to be hired (thanks to those stupid girls) and salaries that needs to be paid. And that man tell me to leave all that behind for some time wasting meeting. So much to do, so little time.

Maybe I should take a break. It might do me some good. Oh forget it, Malone's don't take breaks. I went over to the terrace that lead out of my room. Resting my hands on the railings, I gazed over the fields. What I'll do to have this moment forever.

Might as well have that break and do something useful with it. It seems like a perfect day to feed the horses. Besides, it's been long I saw Elliott.

I was about leaving, then my eyes caught a blue body moving amongst the trees. In order to get a closer view, I adjusted my focus to see past the normal length an average human can. That's my uniqueness, the power of sight.

There it was, the large creature the size of a bicycle. The head and body all covered with deep blue feathers which had swirls imprinted on them, feathers that ended at the base of it's tail shaped like a dolphins'. It spread its wings as it circled the trees, like it own it all. Sharp eyes, the colour of milk and the shape of an almond, looked so proud and held knowledge that'll never be revealed. The fin tailed falcon.

Another joined it's companion, then another. All flew around like the beauty they were. "Aren't they awesome!" A voice called out. Feet below the falcons, my good for nothing nephew looked up pointing at the birds, his lips pulled up into a stupid grin as he showed Alice.

The girl just stood there gawking like an i***t with her eyes a little larger than normal. "They're more beautiful than peacocks." She sighed.

"Waist of time." I mumbled, leaving the terrace and out the door to the stables. Standing around like school children on a field trip instead of an actual training. I expected more from Alex, but then again, he's more of a Michael Angelo and a Leonardo.

Might as well get to that stable before anyone spots me and ruin my record for not coming out of my room. Don't want to show signs of weakness, just want to prolong my mysterious habits. That's the way I am.

###

"Aren't you precious, my darlings?" I asked as I measured grains for the horses. "Did you miss me Marie?" I asked the buckskin mare and she snorted in reply as I poured out her ration.

"How bout you Fergus? You missed all those carrots I used sneak out for you, don't you boy?" I chuckled at the chestnut stallion as his head moved around in search of the mystery treat. "Impatient are we?" I lifted a brow before feeding him two sticks.

"Ah! And there's our princess." Moving over to the next stable, I gave six knocks on the stall door. Receiving a pleasant nay, Elliot poked her big black head. "I missed you too Elly." I laughed as she nuzzle my ear.

"Er... Did I enter the wrong universe?" Turning around, I met the gaze of my other nephew. The one I deemed worthy of them all. I wouldn't say my favourite, but I could use the word sensible.

"Is that a way to greet your elders Asher, were are your manners?" I asked giving him a stern look as I eyed him coolly. He's got much of my brother than his mother, unlike the others.

"Morning Aunt." He came over then kissed both of my cheeks. "You look regal as always." Okay so he's my favourite person. Every aunt has that favourite person.

"I know my sister in-law trained you better than that. It'll be a shame you of all persons didn't follow get teachings. As for your brothers..." I let my voice trail off for a while. "Anyway what drove you out here this early?"

"Same thing that drove you, I needed a little distraction before I begin training with Alice." He said while sub continuously patting Elliot. His curly hair held back by a bandanna, he was wearing something teenagers call cutoffs with ripped jeans and a pair of brown sandals. Dresses more like his hippie mother, I'd say he got both his mother and father.

"Isn't she the mere you used to race back in the days?" He asked this time giving his full attention to the horse.

"Those were the days. We won every race at the Triple town carnivals. The fierce tornado's what they called her, she'll ride faster and faster as we continue to sing her name in praise. Faster than than the wind." Sighing, I thought of the memory of the wind blowing through my hair, the trill of racing through the woods, out don't the beach and on the track. I missed those days.

"We were a team, weren't we princess?" I was rewarded with a snort. "She was born for it, racing. Mostly Father wouldn't hear of a mere racing, that stereotype son of a bachelor. He didn't even want me to run the inn, but he couldn't stop me. The Malones are known for our hardhead. When we want something so bad we have it.

But then again I'm not truly a Malone. It's not a secret that the man was a womanizer. My brother's the true heir, I'm just part of the price that came with our mother. But I sure did earn that old man's heart."

I turned to Asher and realised I had said quite a lot, "So how's training with that Aankian?" I asked after awkwardly clearing my throat.

He shrugged. "She's not bad, a little distracted by the recent events, mostly the loss of the feline."

"Well that's not much of a problem, I hear that she's a really fast learner." I said dusting my hands.

"Yeah, and an easy one too." I heard him mumble, his face in a frown. I've seen that look and I know that look.

"Seems to me like you're not happy with this training, do tell me why." It wasn't a question.

"I...er...I, it's nothing." He stuttered.

"Are you sure? You seen to have something on your mind." I taunted.

"It's just... It's sometimes hard to control the hate."

"Oh the rivalry habit that came from the first Aokian heir and that of the Aankians. Passed down to their generations, makes you wonder the source of such hatred. It's a normal thing Asher, you'll learn. Good thing it's the hatred and not the other way around."

I didn't miss the hard swallow he took before he spoke, though his face was controlled. "What do you mean?" he asked

"It's unheard of for people like us to fall for people like them. Those are the rules back then, but now that Sarah and Felix changed the law before they passed away... What I'm trying to say is, I expect great things from you." I placed both hands on his shoulders, "I've watched you grow, and I know you'll do great things. Your brothers are more or less uncivilized. I was hoping Andrew would be mature, but he got dreams and he doesn't face reality much.

There are slip ups from you too. I must say, selling my inn. I'm sure you have a good reason, but no one takes things from me without paying."

"I send you a check tomorrow..."

"I don't need your money hun, I just need a favour." I said sternly. "I want you to look after that girl, but at a reasonable distance. No hanky panky and most of all no falling in love."

"Why?" His face still showing no emotion.

"Well that's a good question. You do remember what your father told you about the book, warning you not to open it? But you did eventually and now your parents are no more. I'm still heart broken about the death of my brother and his wife due to your careless behaviour and lack of obedience."

I ran my hands through his hair before placing a finger on his chest where his heart should be. "Stay away from that girl, and if you can't, don't get too attached."

I gave his hair a nice ruffle then patted Elliot on the back as I headed for the door.

"Remember Asher, All Malones are true Aokians. Don't break that."

###

Just a little further, yeah grab it and it's yours. I thought to the mouse as it slowly approach the new mouse trap I'd set up in its cage. That's right you can have that creamy cheese to yourself, even though it cost me quite a lot but the result would be worth it.

Snap!

It was worth it, I smiled. I took what was left on the cheese cake then disposed it. Since the cat is no more, might as well make these traps useful. The thought of the work I had left earlier, why do I feel so lazy today?

I picked a carving knife a piece of wood. After this, I'll go straight to work with no more distractions. Can't afford to procrastinate. I'll just write a reply to that lazy man, stating clearly why I wouldn't come. I relaxed once I sat on the plush cushion.

Suddenly, I began to shiver despite the heat coming from the fire place near by. Goosebumps began to surface and the hair on my back stood up, it was getting colder and colder by the second.

"So this is how the greatest sorceress spends her time." A cool voice said, sending a nasty feeling to my stomach. Still shivering I drew my gaze to the corner that wasn't lit.

A pair of silvery grey eyes met mine in an intense stare. Those eyes belonged to someone I'd hope I'll never see again. "Interesting." He whispered as he came out of the shadows to pick up a wood carving of a horse.

Examining it, he said again in that cool voice that once send me to a putty, I thought in disgust. "I never knew you had such a talent. Then again, I never knew what to expect when it comes to you." He picked up another, a ship entangled in the body of a sea serpent.

He lifted his eyes back to me. "I admire your work Mary." He phased for a bit before he continued. "It seems to me you've lost your manners. Aren't you going to welcome me or at least offer me a seat?" He said mocking me at the same time the temperature dropped.

"How long have you been there?" I asked, try to sound calm. Moving my fingers I started to carve. A talent I'm known for, I usually carve for pleasure and sometimes when in a difficult situation. More like when I'm nervous. Most of my works are scatter around the inn. But I don't think it's the right time to list them out.

"I've been here for a long time, indirectly I've here for about eighteen years. I enter through the terrace, literally." He came closer, bending so our faces were with the same level as the other. "People should be keeping locked doors these days. Don't worry I haven't hurt anyone. Yet." He said, whispering the last part. His face millimeters from mine.

"What do you want Mouka?" I asked thorough might teeth. He stepped back running a finger on his chin. The space created between us made me release a breath I hadn't known I held.

"Uhm, I actually came for something or someone. Just hand her to me and the boy and all your troubles would go away. The attack rates seems to increase these days, what was it? The head that once belong to that of a pregnant widow." His lip pealed into a nasty grin, showing cristal coated teeth.

"You know about the attacks, I'm sure you have something to do with them." I said, my fingers working faster as if each scrape of wood would save lives. I only hope.

"Lets say I have plans, and I'm following orders. That's plan A." He gave a look of disgust almost looking innocent as his dark features soften. But there is nothing innocent about the man standing before me.

"The demon, it's yours." it wasn't a question and that made him chuckle.

"After all this years, I finally found him. He's also not what I had expected, but I wouldn't change that for the world. It's unheard of not to appreciate ones demons. Besides, we both have a history." He turned away from me, then walked away with his wooden leg making a low thump sound on the carpet.

Feeling uneasy, at the same time trying not to show it, I said. "You know I wouldn't tell you anything, so I'm asking you again. What are you doing here you b#stard?"

Slowly he turned around, an evil smirk and grey eyes shone in glee. Then I felt my arms and legs going numb from the cold. Air being forced out of my lungs, I tried breathing, it was no use. I watched the knife and wood fall out of my hands as ice began to creep behind my ears. "sss what's happening?" I gasped out then I noticed the frost croppers that covered the walls of my room.

"It seems to me that plan B is already in progress."

###

Alex's POV.

"Frachese!" I tried for the fourteenth time. Trying to located anything, just anything that'll give mean some lead. I've been at it ever since I finished training with Alice, but so far I've been able to track down a squirrel, a toddler and trees.

"Take a break will you, I'm trying to concentrate." Drew shouted from his book. We were currently at the family library. While I was trying to locate the demon, my beloved brother here has been reading some old romance book. Still got me thinking, what's wrong with him?

"Shut up you, there's a demon on the loose and you're there reading hearts and kisses." I returned.

He looked up from the book, then rolled his perfectly shaped greyish green eyes. Those I envied the most, well at least he doesn't have my good looks, ever moist lips, glowing skin and most of all, my luscious hair. Alex man you're loosing focus, snap out of it and concentrate.

"Frachese!"

Still nothing, I looked over to Drew and caught him shaking as he tried not to laugh. I swear my brothers don't take me seriously. No matter how hard I try, it always 'You've starring to much at the mirror.' Or 'Don't be stupid Alex, the world doesn't revolve around you.'

*ssholes! I thought to myself. It's high time I show them what I'm really made of. I closed my eyes and concentrated fully, clearing all signals from my surround then retracting them back as I whispered.

"Frachese!"

My vision blurred for a while before clearing. I saw flashes of pages, pages that belong to a book. The book seemed familiar. Then I saw a boy with golden hair.

Everything cleared, "Drew, Drew?" I called out. While sending a tracking lasso on both items, sorry the book and the boy.

"What now!? Can't you see I'm reading." He grumbled.

"I got it, I think I found the book." I said slowly. He looked up giving me the 'are you serious' look.

"No way..." He stood up. "After all this time, why now?" He asked, letting the book fall on the bean bag he sat on earlier.

"I don't know, but there's something else. We better find Asher, Aunt Mary should hear this too." I said hurriedly grabbing him a dragging him after me.

On our way out, we met our dear youngest brother coming in. On cue, we both grinned at Asher. "Oooukkkaay, what's up with you two?" He folded both arms and raised a brow.

"We found the book." Drew spoke up grinning.

"We? I did it all by myself thank you very much. Anyways I think that Matt boy's..."

"Aaaaarh!"

I was interrupted by a scream coming from above. Asher gave me a look "Alex..."

"I know, Frachese!" I shouted, I hit the tagging spell to locate where the voice came from. Following the voice up the stairs and to the east wing. I finally found the person. "Guys, it's Lady Georgia, hurry."

I led then up the stairs, our feet thudding on the worn out wood. We passed a startled maid as I gave her a quick grin. Just to tell her everything was under control.

We found her ladyship holding the knob of an open door. "Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on us." She chanted, holding out her rosaries and shivering. She didn't even notice us until Andrew place both hands on her, making her jerk.

"What's wrong, what did you see?" He asked while trying to comfort the woman. She shook her head then pointed at the room.

Following her gaze I took one look at the room and froze. Glass stars were scattered on the floor, figurines damaged, the carpet made a squishy sound one I stepped on it. Cushions and bedsheets ripped off, there must have been a fight. Everything trashed, there was even a burnt hole in the ceiling.

"Do you think it's the demon again?" Asher asked looking at the fire which held wood carvings already halfway burned.

"Know, I think the ministry must have been here." I said pointing at the walls covered in ice. Frost creepers, only the ministry could posses them. "But why would they want to trash this place? I think it's an ambush."

I turned around facing my brothers. Something is going on here and it doesn't feel good one bit. I would have asked Asher what he had seen, that wouldn't have been helpful. His powers might be back, but he doesn't have full control of it.

I saw him picked up pieces of paper. "The man in pyjamas?" He said puzzled. He turn to the woman by the door still shivering. "What's going on here?"

"They, took Mary. Oh they took her." She closed her eyes as if to be in pain. "Oh please find her. Oh lord have mercy." she continued to pray.

"Guys? Who ever took Mary wanted something." Drew said, "Or someone, I don't think Aunty would have given it to them without asking for a price..."

"Alice, where's she?" Asher looked at the pieces of paper he held. Then looked back at me, "What's that beside you?" He pointed at a carving knife next to a wood carving of a dog, by my left.

Picking it up, I noticed that it was an half finished piece of a wolf. She must having been carving this earlier. Flipping it over, I examined the faint words carved on it.

Taraj

Why does the word seem familiar? Something is not right. I began to feel a fuzzy sensation yet a familiar one. Part of my uniqueness, when ever something feels odd, my powers guide me to a place that needs to be checked.

"Frachese!" I said again as my feet guided me up the attic. My brothers followed suit. We got to a room which didn't have much difference as the other.

Seems like we know what our visitors were looking for. I spotted a piece of paper on the floor and picked it up.

Going for a walk with Matt in the woods. Would be back by 7.

Alice.

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Copyright 2018© Soffiyah Orewole.

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