Under the cloak of night, Gabe crouched low on Farmer Wilson’s sprawling land. The moonlight bathed the field in an ethereal glow, casting long, ghostly shadows across the terrain. Silence reigned supreme, punctuated only by the distant hoot of an owl. Gabe had been waiting here for hours, his patience wearing thin as he glanced at his watch. His frustration mounted—where was that elusive wolf? Had he made a mistake, picking this spot?
Determination flickered in his eyes as he stood, grabbing his bag and shotgun with firm resolve. He wasn’t going to let the hunt slip away that easily. If the wolf wasn’t coming to him, he’d track it down himself. Gabe hefted his gear and marched purposefully into the night, the hunt far from over.
-----
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit room of Howard’s house, Jason had retreated to the far corner, trying to distance himself from the chaos. Howard had drowned himself in alcohol, slurring his speech as he clung to the edge of the table. Jason’s attention was divided between Howard and the six members of the Thomasville coven, whose raucous behavior grated on him. He tried to suppress his annoyance, hoping he hadn’t been as obnoxious at their age. Still, he needed to stay alert, especially since Howard had only shared a fragment of his theory with him. This wild goose chase was Howard’s way of coping, and Jason was prepared to indulge it if it meant giving Howard some solace.
“She’s here,” Howard’s voice cut through Jason’s thoughts, slurred and uncertain.
“Who’s here?” Jason asked, his concern sharpening as he turned his gaze from the coven to his inebriated leader.
“The Firstborn,” Howard whispered, his eyes darting around the room as if he were afraid someone would overhear.
Jason’s heart skipped a beat. “Are you sure?”
Howard nodded, though his head wobbled slightly. “We had that damned pixie dust sprinkled all over us... we kissed. It was her.”
Jason’s brow furrowed. “Which one was it?”
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Howard squinted, trying to focus. “She’s not from this coven. I think she’s from the Harvest Grove coven.”
“Harvest Grove?” Jason raised an eyebrow. “What’s she doing here?”
“She’s here to see Max,” Howard mumbled, stumbling and nearly losing his balance. Jason caught him just in time.
Jason helped Howard steady himself, concern etched on his face. “What did she look like?”
Howard closed his eyes, struggling to clear his muddled thoughts. “Long, straight dark hair... and gold cat eyes.”
In any other place, the description might have seemed odd, but in Thomasville, it was just another detail in the mystique. “Alright. You head back to where you saw her. I’ll check around here.”
Howard nodded, swaying as he made his way back through the crowd. Jason watched him go, his worry deepening as he ran a hand through his hair. Howard was clearly not himself.
-----
Back in the shadowy alley of Thomasville, Maya’s heart raced as she followed the fairy guide into the back room. The pulsating music and strobe lights of the club faded into the background, replaced by an eerie stillness. The lingering effect of that magical kiss still made her pulse quicken.
In the dimly lit room, a figure sat behind a desk, masked and enigmatic. The fairy gestured for Maya to step forward. “Max, she’s here.”
Max looked up, his eyes glimmering from behind the mask. “So, you’re the one everyone’s buzzing about tonight.”
Maya squared her shoulders, trying to mask her nerves with a show of bravery. “I need to make a withdrawal.”
Max’s eyes narrowed, curiosity piqued. “A withdrawal, huh? And what exactly are you here to withdraw?”
“Austen sent me,” Maya said, hoping the name would have the desired effect.
Max leaned back in his chair, studying her with an inscrutable expression. “Austen, you say? He does have a knack for sending intriguing visitors my way. What’s your purpose here?”
“I need information,” Maya replied, her voice steady despite the rapid thudding of her heart. “I’m looking for details about the Firstborn.”
Max’s eyes lit up with a spark of interest. “The Firstborn, you say? Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in quite some time.” He stood and moved around the desk, stopping in front of her. “Why should I give you this information?”
Maya took a deep breath, her resolve firm. “Because lives are at stake. And because Austen mentioned you owe him a favor.”
Max chuckled softly, a knowing glint in his eye. “A favor, indeed. Alright, let’s see if you can meet your end of the bargain.” He gestured to the fairy. “Take her to the archives. Let’s see if she can find what she’s searching for.”
Maya nodded, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling within her as she followed the fairy out of the room. This was just the beginning, and she knew she had to be ready for whatever lay ahead.