Downtown Armond was alive with activity, the streets filled with people going about their day. Amidst the shops and cafes, there was a quaint little restaurant tucked into a small building. Its charm lay in its simplicity: a juice bar that served as the only ordering counter and an inviting eating area on the sidewalk, shaded by colorful umbrellas. The sun peeked through scattered clouds, casting a warm glow over the pavement.
Natalie and Iris, drinks in hand, turned away from the juice bar. Natalie’s hair was swept up into a messy bun, strands of brown hair escaping to frame her face. The heat was oppressive, the sun’s rays adding to the sweltering day. They made their way to an empty table under an umbrella, its shade offering an escape from the scorching sun. The table, adorned with a small vase of flowers that were starting to wilt in the heat, provided a perfect spot for a moment of relaxation.
They sat down, the metal chairs slightly warm from the sun. Iris eyed her drink with skepticism. She took a cautious sip, her face contorting as she forced herself to swallow the overly tart concoction. “This is the worst thing I’ve ever tasted,” she admitted, trying to smile through the grimace.
Natalie, who had taken a sip of her own drink, laughed in agreement. “Yeah, definitely not their best creation,” she said, setting her cup down. The lighthearted admission broke the tension, both of them chuckling at their shared misfortune.
For a few moments, they sat in companionable silence, the breeze providing a welcome contrast to the heat. The sound of distant chatter and the clinking of dishes from nearby tables added to the lively ambiance. Natalie leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes for a moment and savoring the brief respite from their usual hectic lives.
As the breeze picked up, the clouds overhead began to grow denser, casting longer shadows across the sidewalk. The air was thick with the promise of a summer storm, the distant rumble of thunder barely audible over the city’s noise. Natalie opened her eyes, watching as the once clear sky began to fill with dark, swirling clouds.
Iris followed her gaze, her expression thoughtful. “Looks like we might get some rain,” she remarked, taking another reluctant sip of her juice.
Natalie nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Maybe it’ll cool things down a bit,” she replied, glancing around at the busy street. Despite the looming storm, the city continued its vibrant pulse, people moving about with an easy, unhurried energy.
As the first drops of rain began to fall, lightly tapping on the umbrella above them, Natalie and Iris exchanged a look of shared contentment, they both enjoyed the sounds of the pitter-patter from the drops of water.
Iris’s phone buzzed on the table, vibrating with a soft hum. She picked it up, glancing at the screen, a slight giggle escaping her lips.
Natalie noticed and smirked, raising an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”
Iris looked up, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, nothing. Just talking to your mom.”
Natalie’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why are you talking to my mom?” she asked with a laugh, clearly taken aback.
Iris shrugged nonchalantly, a playful grin on her face. “We’ve been talking for a while now. She’s great, you know. She just told me she’s coming to see you tonight.”
Natalie jumped up from her seat, her expression shifting from surprise to mild panic. “Tonight?!”
Iris nodded, still grinning. “Yeah, tonight. She thought it’d be a fun surprise.”
Natalie sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Oh, great. Just what I needed,” she said, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. She paced a few steps, her mind racing. “I haven’t even cleaned the house. And the attic is still a mess after that whole Wind Beast incident.”
Iris chuckled, setting her phone down. “Relax, Nat. It’s your mom. She’s not coming to inspect your house. She just wants to see you.”
Natalie stopped pacing and looked at Iris, her expression softening. “I know, I know. It’s just... unexpected.” She plopped back down in her chair, taking a deep breath. “But I guess it’ll be nice to see her. It’s been a while.”
Iris nodded. “Exactly. Besides, you’ve faced down demons and slayed monsters. I’m pretty sure you can handle a visit from your mom.”
Natalie laughed, the tension easing from her shoulders. “You’re right. I’m overreacting. Thanks for the heads-up, though. I just wish I’d had a bit more time to prepare.”
Iris took another sip of her juice, grimacing slightly before setting the cup down. “Hey, at least you’ve got a bit of time now. We can finish these drinks—well, attempt to finish them—and then you can head back to get things ready.”
Natalie smiled. “Yeah, let’s do that. And maybe we can stop by somewhere on the way back and get something actually tasty to drink.”
Iris laughed. “Deal.”
As they sat there, the rain began to fall more steadily, pattering softly against the umbrella above them. The storm clouds had fully rolled in, casting a cool, dim light over the bustling downtown area. People hurried by, some ducking into nearby shops for cover, while others embraced the rain with carefree smiles.
Natalie tossed her half-finished drink into the trash can beside her, the cup landing with a satisfying thud. She took a deep breath, the cool, rain-scented air filling her lungs, and turned to Iris with a sigh.
"My mom doesn’t know I’m a Slayer," Natalie confessed, her voice tinged with worry
Iris’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How’d you manage to hide sneaking out at night and killing creatures from hell?”
Natalie smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “It was easy. I just jumped out my bedroom window.”
Iris chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. “Of course you did. That’s so you.”
Natalie’s smile widened as she remembered the countless nights she’d spent sneaking out. “I perfected it over the years. I’d wait until she was asleep, then climb out the window, down the old oak tree by my room, and hit the ground running. It became second nature.”
Iris leaned back in her chair, imagining the scene. “And she never suspected anything?”
“Not really,” Natalie replied, shrugging. “She always thought I was just a night owl, staying up late to read or study. I’d sneak back in before dawn, covered in mud or blood, and quickly clean up. She never questioned it. Guess she just trusted me.”
The rain began to fall harder, creating a steady rhythm that made the world outside their small bubble feel distant and serene. Natalie watched as the raindrops danced on the pavement.
“But it’s more than just sneaking out,” Natalie continued, her tone more serious now. “Being a Slayer means constantly lying about where I am and what I’m doing. It’s exhausting, especially with everything else going on. I just didn’t want to burden her with the truth. She already had a lot going on when dad died…”
Iris nodded, understanding the weight of Natalie’s words. “I get it. But maybe it’s time she knew. She loves you, and she might surprise you with how well she takes it.”
Natalie sighed again, this time with a touch of uncertainty. “Maybe. I don’t know if I’m ready for that conversation.”
Iris reached out and squeezed Natalie’s hand reassuringly. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be there to back you up.”
Natalie squeezed back, grateful for her friend’s support. “Thanks, Iris. That means a lot.”
The rain continued to fall, the sky darkening as the storm rolled in. The two friends sat in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the city muffled by the downpour.
Eventually, Natalie stood up, brushing off her jeans. “Ready?”
Iris nodded, standing as well. “Yeah, let’s go.”
As they made their way down the street, the rain began to lighten, the storm passing as quickly as it had arrived. The air was fresh, the city renewed, and Natalie felt a small spark of hope.
They walked down the sidewalk, each with a new refreshing drink in hand, Iris broke the comfortable silence. "Does your mom at least know that you and your sisters are witches?" she asked, glancing sideways at Natalie.
Natalie shook her head, her expression thoughtful. "No, she doesn’t. It’s another secret we’ve been keeping."
Iris sighed loudly, her exasperation evident. "You’ve all been keeping secrets for a long time."
Natalie nodded in agreement. "I guess we have," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.
Iris stopped walking and turned to face Natalie, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Why don't we all go out to the Over Easy tonight?" she suggested enthusiastically. "We'll take your mom, dance a little, and leave the patrolling to Collin tonight."
Natalie’s eyes lit up at the idea, a smile breaking through her earlier worries. "That actually sounds perfect. She’d love that. It’s been ages since we all went out together."
Iris nodded eagerly. "Exactly. We’ll show her a good time, and maybe you’ll relax for a change!”
Natalie rolled her eyes playfully. “I’m always relaxed!”
Natalie spent the next few hours tidying up the house, making sure everything was in order. She straightened cushions, dusted surfaces, and did a quick sweep of the floors. The smell of fresh coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the faint scent of rain from earlier. She felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness, wondering how the evening would unfold.
Just as she finished fluffing the last pillow, there was a knock at the door. Natalie took a deep breath and walked over, opening it to reveal her mom standing there. Her long gray hair was done up neatly, complementing her light eyeshadow and radiant smile.
“Natalie!” her mom exclaimed, pulling her into a warm hug. Natalie returned the embrace, feeling a rush of comfort and love.
“Mom,” Natalie laughed, stepping back slightly. “Thanks for not telling me you were coming.”
Her mom chuckled, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. “I wanted to surprise you. And it looks like I did.”
Natalie smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. “Well, surprise accomplished. But you didn’t give me much time to prepare!”
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Her mom waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m just happy to see you.”
Natalie closed the door behind them and led her mom into the living room. They chatted for a few minutes, catching up on the latest news and gossip. The comfortable familiarity of their conversation eased Natalie’s earlier nervousness, and she found herself genuinely enjoying the moment.
“By the way,” Natalie said, her eyes sparkling with excitement, “Iris and I have planned a fun night for us. We’re going out, and we’re going to have a blast.”
Her mom’s smile widened. “That sounds wonderful. I could use a good night out. It’s been too long since we did something like this. Maybe I’ll find me a nice man to take home.
“Mom!” Natalie shook her head slightly. “You’re ridiculous.”
With a final glance around the house to make sure everything was in order, Natalie grabbed her jacket and led her mom toward the door. The anticipation of the evening ahead filled her with a sense of calm.
The atmosphere at The Yonder Over Easy buzzed with energy. Iris, Natalie, and her mom, Lena, found themselves swept up in the lively crowd on the dance floor. The DJ was spinning a hypnotic techno beat, the rhythm pulsing through the air and into their bodies. Natalie let the music take over, her movements carefree as she danced with abandon.
Lena, her long gray hair swaying with her movements, leaned into Iris’s ear, raising her voice to be heard over the pounding music. “There are lots of cute guys here, but none my age!” she said with a playful pout.
Iris laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “No one said they had to be your age!”
Lena tapped Iris’s shoulder and gave her a mischievous smile. “You’re bad!” she teased, shaking her head with a grin.
The three women continued to dance, their laughter and joy blending seamlessly with the music and the vibrant atmosphere around them. For a moment, all worries and secrets were forgotten, replaced by the simple pleasure of the night.
As Natalie lost herself in the rhythm, an icy cold breeze brushed against her shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine. The sudden chill felt unnatural, like something dead was stalking about. She stopped dancing abruptly, her senses on high alert as she scanned the room.
Her gaze was drawn to a door on the far side of the bar, slowly creaking open. The sight of it, framed by the dim light from within, seemed out of place against the lively backdrop. Natalie’s instincts kicked in. She began to make her way through the crowd, maneuvering between bodies and dodging elbows as she pushed toward the door.
Iris, noticing the sudden change in Natalie’s demeanor, followed closely behind, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
Natalie pushed through the door, which swung open with a groan, revealing a narrow, dimly lit alleyway. The chill in the air intensified, the cold biting at her skin as she stepped into the darkness. The alley was shrouded in a dense mist, the night air thick with an unsettling quiet.
In the distance, obscured by the mist and the faint glow of the bar's lights, a tall, menacing shadow loomed. It moved with an eerie grace, almost as if it was gliding rather than walking. The shadow’s presence exuded an ominous energy that set Natalie’s senses on edge.
Before she could react further, the shadow rushed toward her with unsettling speed. In a swift, fluid motion, it closed the distance between them, lifting her off her feet and gripping her by the neck. Natalie’s feet dangled helplessly as the cold, unyielding grip tightened, cutting off her air and sending her into a desperate struggle.
Iris and Lena rushed into the alleyway, their faces etched with alarm. Lena’s eyes widened in horror as she saw Natalie struggling against the shadowy figure. “Natalie!” she called out, her voice breaking with fear as she attempted to leap forward.
Iris grabbed Lena’s arm, holding her back with a firm grip. “Don’t get in the way!” Iris shouted, her tone sharp and urgent. “She can handle this.”
Natalie, her body tense and focused, managed to swing her leg with precision. She kicked the creature in the stomach, causing it to loosen its grip momentarily. With a swift back flip, she landed on the wet asphalt with ease. The chill in the air seemed to deepen as the creature regained its composure and advanced toward her.
Natalie, not missing a beat, sprinted to the other side of the alley. She leaped off the wall, propelling herself through the air with a powerful thrust. As she landed behind the creature, she tapped its shoulder, causing it to spin around abruptly.
With a confident smile, Natalie unleashed a powerful punch to its jaw. The force of the blow caught the creature off guard, making it stumble backward and momentarily lose its balance. The alley echoed with the sound of the impact, as the shadowy figure reeled from the unexpected hit.
The creature, momentarily staggered by Natalie’s punch, quickly regained its composure. It lunged at her, its arm sweeping out to strike. Natalie was flung through the air, crashing into a stack of wooden crates with a loud thud. The crates tumbled and scattered around her, the sharp edges digging into her sides as she hit the ground.
Gritting her teeth, Natalie pushed herself up, shaking off the disorientation. Before she could fully rise, the creature was upon her, its fist swinging in a brutal arc. The punch landed squarely on her face, sending her reeling backward. Natalie’s vision blurred momentarily, but she quickly refocused as she heard Iris’s anxious call.
“What is it?” Iris shouted, her voice echoing with concern from the alley’s entrance.
Natalie squinted through the haze of pain and the dim light. She could barely make out the creature’s features. “Not sure yet!” she called back, her voice strained but determined.
Summoning her strength, Natalie delivered a swift kick to the creature’s midsection. It staggered back, stumbling into a patch of light. The illumination revealed the creature’s true form: a vampire. Natalie’s lips curled into a smirk as she recognized the familiar enemy.
“Haven’t you heard of Slayers?” she taunted, her grin widening with confidence.
The vampire’s confusion was palpable as it snarled at her, its expression a mix of anger and bewilderment. “No!” it roared, its voice a guttural growl.
With a fluid, practiced motion, Natalie flipped over the vampire, her body twisting gracefully through the air. As she passed above it, she reached out, grabbing the vampire’s head by the chin. With a powerful twist and yank, she wrenched its head clean off. The severed head and the vampire’s body disintegrated into a cloud of dust, which swirled around her before dissipating into the night.
Natalie landed gracefully on her feet, brushing off her hands with a satisfied nod. “Haven’t met one that hasn’t heard of a Slayer in a long time,” she remarked, her tone light and self-assured. She wiped her hands on her pants, the dust of the vampire mixing with the rain-soaked grime of the alley. The tension of the fight gave way to a sense of calm as she surveyed the aftermath.
Back at the house, the tension from the alleyway had settled into a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Lena was seated on the living room couch, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of tea that Natalie had prepared. Iris sat beside her, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. Natalie settled into the armchair across from them, letting out a long sigh as she looked from her mom to Iris.
“I don’t know where to begin,” Natalie admitted, her voice carrying a note of uncertainty.
Lena took a slow sip of her tea, her gaze steady and attentive. “From the beginning,” she replied calmly, her tone encouraging.
Natalie took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she spoke. “Okay, so...I’m a Slayer. I’ve been chosen from birth to be one. There are many Slayers around the world, and we’re all part of this ancient line of protectors.”
Lena listened intently, her eyes widening slightly with each revelation. Natalie continued, her voice growing more confident as she explained.
“We have these enhanced abilities—strength, speed, agility. It’s our job to protect people from supernatural threats. And…my sisters and uh, me, Julia, and Amanda are witches. It’s a powerful family bloodline, something that’s been passed down through generations. It’s just that...apparently, it skipped you, Mom.”
Lena’s eyes widened even further as she processed the information. She took another sip of her tea, the cup shaking slightly in her hands as she absorbed the weight of Natalie’s words.
Iris, sitting quietly beside Lena, glanced between the two with a sympathetic expression. The room was filled with lingering concern as Natalie finished her explanation. The warmth of the tea contrasted sharply with the cold revelations, and the soft glow of the living room lights provided a comforting backdrop to the unfolding conversation.
Lena finally set her cup down, her hands trembling slightly. “I...I had no idea,” she said softly, her voice tinged with disbelief and awe. “All these years, I thought...well, I don’t really know.”
Natalie reached out, her gaze steady and reassuring. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But we’re a family, and we’ll figure this out together. Just wanted you to know what’s been going on.”
Lena nodded slowly. She took a deep breath, trying to reconcile her new understanding with the life she thought she knew. The room fell into a thoughtful silence as they each processed the revelations and the new dynamics they brought to their family.
Lena took a deep breath, her gaze shifting from Natalie to the cup of tea. She seemed to be gathering her thoughts before speaking. “You know, Natalie,” she began slowly, “I had my suspicions. I knew you were sneaking out at night, and I never questioned the blood stains on your clothes or the dirt that never seemed to come out of your pants.” Lena continued, her voice filled with curiosity. “Since you and your sisters are witches by bloodline, does that...does it help with your Slayer abilities? Can you do magic like Julia?”
Natalie shook her head, her lips forming a rueful smile. “No, Mom, it doesn’t really work that way. Even though I’m from a witch’s bloodline, I can’t do magic like Julia. I’m more of an ass-kicker—my strength and skills come from being a Slayer, not from magic.”
Lena looked thoughtful, processing this new piece of information. “So, your abilities come strictly from being a Slayer, and not from any magic?” she asked, trying to understand the full scope of her daughter’s life.
Natalie nodded. “Exactly. My role and my abilities come from the Slayer lineage. Julia’s magic is powerful, but it’s a different path altogether. My strength, speed, and fighting skills are what define me as a Slayer.”
Lena absorbed the information quietly, her face reflecting a blend of relief and continued concern. She looked at Natalie with admiration and worry, realizing the complexity of the world her daughter lived in. The realization that Natalie’s life was intertwined with such ancient and powerful forces was both daunting and awe-inspiring.
The room remained quiet for a moment, the only sounds being the faint hum of the house and the occasional clink of Lena’s tea cup as she set it down on the table. The weight of the conversation hung in the air.
Lena leaned back into the couch, her eyes wide. Her breath came out in a soft exhale as she processed what Natalie had shared. “Holy shit,” she muttered, shaking her head in amazement.
She glanced around the room as if looking for something to anchor her to the ordinary, her hands still gripping the now-empty cup of tea. The corners of her mouth turned up into a small smile. “I guess I’m just a boring mom,” she said with a nervous laugh.
Her laugh was a mix of genuine amusement and self-deprecation. It was as if the weight of the extraordinary world Natalie was part of had momentarily made her own life seem mundane by comparison. She chuckled softly, the sound tinged with a sense of irony.
Natalie watched her mother. She could see the tension in Lena’s shoulders easing slightly as she made light of the situation. The humor was a coping mechanism, a way to deal with the overwhelming nature of the revelations.
“Not boring,” Natalie reassured her with a gentle smile. “Just...normal. And that’s okay. We need both the extraordinary and the ordinary to keep things balanced.”
Lena’s smile widened as she looked at Natalie, her eyes reflecting pride and admiration. “Well, it looks like I have a lot to learn,” she said, her voice more steady now. “But I’m glad you’ve shared this with me. Even if it makes me feel like I’m in a whole new world.”
The room felt warmer with the exchange, the earlier tension giving way to a sense of connection and mutual understanding. Lena’s attempt to laugh at the situation helped bridge the gap between her ordinary life and the extraordinary world Natalie was part of. The conversation, though heavy, had brought them closer together.
Natalie led Lena up the creaky attic stairs, the dim light bulb casting a soft, flickering glow on the dusty surroundings. As they reached the top, Natalie pushed open the attic door, revealing the cluttered space that had seen little attention since their last visit.
The Book of Shadows, perched on a pedestal in the center of the attic, caught Lena's eye immediately. It was surrounded by an intricately drawn charm circle, which now pulsed with a rhythmic, ethereal light. The glow seemed to dance across the walls, casting long, eerie shadows.
Natalie approached the pedestal. “I forgot about the mess up here after the fight with the Wind Beast. I wanted to show you the Book of Shadows and where Julia does her magic.”
“Wind Beast?” Lena asked.
Natalie shook her head. “Nothing to be worried about.”
Lena’s gaze was fixed on the book, her curiosity evident. The charm circle around it was still glowing softly, and the book lay open on a page marked with the name Orenth. The sight of it unsettled Natalie, who hadn’t seen the book since the fight.
Lena leaned closer, her eyes widening as she took in the name written on the page. “Who’s that?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Natalie and Iris both turned their attention to the book, their expressions reflecting a shared unease. Natalie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice heavy with uncertainty. “I haven’t seen this page before.”
The room felt colder as the charm circle continued to pulse, casting an unsettling glow over the attic. The Book of Shadows seemed to hum with an almost tangible energy, its pages rustling as if eager to divulge more secrets.
Lena looked back at Natalie, her face a mixture of confusion and concern. “What does it mean?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Natalie shrugged, her eyes still fixed on the book. “I’m not sure.”
Lena nodded slowly, taking in the sight of the book and the charm circle. The room was filled with an oppressive sense of mystery.
As the attic fell into a contemplative silence, the name Orenth lingered in the air like an evil force waiting to pounce.