Bound by Moonlight

CHAPTER THREE: STRANGE

CLARA

I have stayed here in Shrineville for a few days and all I do is observe the people here. It's fine and normal, but I feel like there's something really different about them that I can't notice. All their movements seem to be controlled. Like one day I went to a*****e to buy food. I bumped into a woman who was only a few years younger than me, but she immediately dodged and walked away. I don't know if they are just like that when there is a new person in their place or if there is another reason.

I took a deep breath while staring at my laptop, which I hadn't continued on yet because I didn't have anything to write. I can't even ask here because people are elusive for me. I bit my lip while thinking about what steps I would take in this case. I reviewed the files again because I might get a clue here.

"Sofia Reves, 23 years old, lives in Emberfall. She was last seen in Shrineville where she was with a man." I read the file. There are also CCTV photos of the victim with the hooded man. But it is not recorded here why she went to Shrineville. I stared at the picture where they were seen, there was a big arc that seemed to be surrounded by woods. I'm not familiar with the place, but I'm pretty sure it's only here in Shrineville.

When it was late afternoon, I asked Jessie if she was familiar with a place with a big arc. "Zotera Street? That's the only place that I know where there's a big arc. Why did you ask? That place that the Governor used to own here has been abandoned for a long time." Jessie said while busy looking at her papers.

"Ah, nothing. I just heard somewhere that there was something in that place, that's why it was closed." That's based on my search.

"I don't know. I also hear a lot about that, but I don't care. By the way, I won't be able to go home tomorrow because I have a full shift tomorrow. Are you okay here?"

I nodded. "Sure, don't worry."

I didn't bother Jessie anymore because she seemed to have a lot to do. I went back to my room to continue my research. I named the picture 'Zotera Street'. I have so many questions in my mind that I want to be answered and what's more annoying is that I can't even ask because of the people who ignore me. Like, who was the man she was last seen with, and what were they doing in that place? What were they doing in that place?

I just left the room to cook dinner for Jessie and me. What I cooked was carbonara with garlic bread. After it was cooked, I called Jessie and we ate together. Jessie was washing the dishes while I was cleaning the table. This is my chance to ask her some questions.

"Are many people from Emberfall visiting here?" I asked while wiping the table.

"Hmm, I'm not sure, but as far as I know, you can't just enter here even as a guest, the leader here must know who enters and leaves his area." Jessie answered.

They are also strict here. I thought it was like in Emberfall, where people may come and go, as long as they want. But how did I get into it so easily? Maybe, because I know someone. I asked her about this town and I also discovered a lot. I have not seen the leader here, but I am sure it is strict because of the strictness of their policies.

"If you come in here without the leader knowing what will happen to you?" I still ask.

Jessie looked at me as if hesitating, but she answered anyway. "Uhm, all those who enter the district without permission or without the leader's knowledge are.... going to get killed."

I think the hair on my got goosebumps a little because of what she said. How come they have such a rule here? I wanted to ask more questions, but Jessie said that she was tired, so I didn't bother. I was dumbfounded as I thought about all the things I knew about this town. How strict and scary their rules are. So maybe all the people here are disciplined because of the governor's strict leadership here.

This means that Sofia has permission to enter Shrinevile, which also means that she knows its ruler. I tried to search for the governor of Shrineville. Only a few came up. What is written in the latest article I saw is that for several decades the Ferrell family have been the ones who led the district. I feel worse about this place. I want to know more about Shrineville.

"You take care of it. Also, don't forget to close the windows and doors and don't let strangers in. Call me if anything happens, okay?" Jessie's reminder. She is leaving this morning, so she has a lot of reminders for me.

"Yes, don't worry, I will remember everything you said." I smiled so she wouldn't worry.

After that, she said goodbye and was left alone at home. I got dressed before going out to go to Zotera Street. This was my only chance to go there. Because I didn't know where the road was, I had the courage to ask the people I passed. Some don't know the way and others don't want to answer me.

"Oh hi kid, can I ask you if you know the way to Zotera Street?" I asked the kid sitting while eating a lollipop.

"Are you going to the Moon Arc?" the boy asked me back.

I smiled and nodded at him. "You just go straight there, and you will reach Zotera Street, but if you go to the moon arc, go ahead until there is a big tree with a moon arc written on it. Just go in there, and you will see the big ark." he answered politely, while still pointing in the direction. I thanked the boy before leaving, but I heard one last thing the boy said.

"Be careful." he said, smiling.

I just ignored it and went straight in the direction he pointed. But it's strange because I got to the place where there is a Zotera Street sign, there weren't many houses or people at all. I went straight to what the boy said to go straight until there was a big tree, but I didn't see anything nor any signage. I almost circled the entire alley but still nothing. I spent the night in the area, but I still can't see the arc.

I decided to stop at a nearby wooded area and look around. It's very quiet in the area, even the houses don't have lights on. Only broken lamp posts still flickering lighted the place. And at the very end of it is a wide forest, but I don't really see any ark or the big tree that the boy is talking about. Did he lie? Or is the direction he pointed really right?

I took a deep breath. I have just wasted my time here. I was about to return to the car when I heard something strange coming from the woods. I was immediately filled with fear, especially since I am not familiar with the area, and it is difficult to ask for help here. I quickly got into the car and drove it away. But before I could completely leave, I was sure that there were eyes looking at me as if they had been watching me for a while.

I hurried to get in the car and I even cussed because I bumped my foot. "Damn, it hurts. It's freaking annoying." I cussed because of annoyance.

My heart is beating and I don't understand. This place is really strange. Their rules, their policies, their government, especially the people here. At first, I thought they were just elusive with the newcomers, but no, I'm sure there's something different about this town that I don't know about. What happened to me today pushes me even more to know this place and its connection to Sofia's closed case. Now, I'm sure that the strange feeling I have in this district will lead me to Sofia's clear case.