The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the neighborhood as Serena made her way to the assisted living facility where she had decided to visit for her voluntary project work.The whole purpose of the project was to visit the elderly people who had lived in Draketown for at least fifty years and most preferably those who were born there to gather enough information regarding the current deaths in Draketown for the school's end of year magazine publication.As she walked into the facility’s courtyard, she noticed old man Xue sitting alone on a bench, enjoying the fresh air. His silver hair gleamed in the sunlight, and he seemed lost in thought. Serena approached him with a friendly smile.“Good afternoon,” she said softly. “Do you mind if I join you for a moment?”Old man Xue looked up, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. “Not at all, young lady. Please, have a seat.”Serena sat down beside him, taking in the peaceful surroundings. “My name’s Serena. I’m on a school's project assign
Serena couldn't hide the pride that surged through her after her meeting with old man Xue. She had always known that there was something special about her grandmother but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.She was still on her way going home when she heard someone call out to her. Turning around, she saw Cheong. She recognised him as one of the guys who had picked on her then."What do you want?" She sneered at him."I've come to apologize for what happened the other time. I didn't mean to pick on you. I know what I did was wrong." Cheong said, feigning remorse. "I'd really want us to start on a much better ground."Serena looked at him, a feeling of suspicion washing over her. She could feel that there was something quite strange in Cheong's sudden appearance to apologize to her. It's been over two months they picked on her making her wonder why he had only decided to apologize now."Tell me why I should trust you. What exactly do you want from me?" Serena asked, her anger risi
The flashing red and blue lights of police cruisers bathed the area in an eerie glow as Inspector Lui and his partner, Inspector Chan, arrived at the crime scene. He and Inspector Chan were somewhere close by when Serpens's call came in, prompting them to rush down to rush down to the crime scene as soon as possible.Since the current deaths in Draketown started happening, agents of the CIA have been dispersed all over the city to ensure that the lives of the citizens are protected and to act swiftly should they notice anything strange.They pushed through the gathered crowd, their faces set in grim determination. Ahead, they saw Serpens waiting, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. The lifeless body of the young man still lay on the ground, the unmistakable skull marked stark against his chest."Serpens," Inspector Lui called out, approaching him. "What happened here?"Serpens shook his head. "I'm not sure. No one seems to know what happened. We just heard an uproar out
That night, Serpens fell into a restless sleep, the weight of recent events pressing down on his subconscious. The name Dimitis de'nom kept echoing in his ears like the relentless cry of an abandoned baby.As he drifted off, he found himself in a strange, ethereal landscape. The world around him shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and a soft, almost haunting melody filled the air. In the distance, he saw a figure approaching—an ethereal version of Xin, Old Xue's granddaughter whom he had healed months back.His surprise was palpable as he pondered why she had come to meet him in his dream. He took a firm stance waiting for whatever advances she'll make whether positive or negative."Serpens," she called out, her voice echoing like a whisper in the wind. "What do you want?" Serpens asked, his eyes glinting in bewilderment."Have you found the stone bearer?" Xin asked, taking Serpens by surprise."How do you know about the stone bearer? Who told you?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.
As they waited, old man Xue observed Serpens with a curious, yet understanding expression. "You know, my granddaughter told me about how you helped her. She's spoken very highly of you."Serpens nodded, feeling a mix of humility and urgency. "I had a vision last night. She came to me and told me she's the stone bearer. It's crucial that I speak with her. There's something important we need to do before the solstice."Old man Xue's expression grew serious, a hint of concern crossing his features. "I see. The prophecy... I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but it seems fate has other plans."Before Serpens could respond, they heard footsteps descending the stairs. Xin appeared, her face lighting up with surprise and relief when she saw Serpens."Hey, it's you," she said, hurrying over to him. "I didn't expect to see you here.""I had to find you," Serpens said, standing up to meet her. "We have a lot to talk about. Your grandfather was just telling me about the prophecy."She glanced
Serena excused herself from the frantic search, stepping into the hallway to make a call. Her mind raced as she dialed Cheong's number. She couldn't help but feel that he was the one who had taken the flash drive.He had come to take her out earlier and had showed him around the house. Taking him to every part of the house, even as far as to Serpens's room.She knew she shouldn't have done that but she felt so comfortable around him like they've always known each other. It was the first time she'd be feeling something so special for a guy.All her life, she had been tagged weirdo by her classmates. It was one reason she had no friends. No guy had ever asked her out before and no one seems to be interested in her even if she was already eighteen.Cheong was the first guy who had shown interest in her and had told her that she was beautiful. He was also the first guy who had bought her a flower and had complimented her dress sense.She had grown to love him in the short while that they'
Serpens had spent the evening on Rose's side. He kept running his fingers through her face silently wishing for the day he'd see her beautiful eyes again.The fact that there was no one to come and always watch over her in the hospital, made him feel sad. Rose was an orphan and had no knowledge or whatsoever of who her parents were.She had struggled alone till she crossed paths with Serpens. He kissed her cheek, her slow and steady breath brushing past his face."I love you," he whispered, even if he knew Rose wasn't hearing. It would be the first time he'd say those words to her."You miss her, don't you?" Dr. Sun said, startling him. He had no idea she had walked into the ward."Yes, I do. So much," Serpens replied with all sincerity."How's it going? Have you found her? The stone bearer." Dr. Sun asked."Yes I have. But I don't know what to do now that I've found her. I am so helpless right now." Serpens confessed.Dr. Sun placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You are not alo
Serena opened her eyes slowly, her head pounding and her vision blurry. She blinked several times, trying to make sense of her surroundings. The room was dimly lit, with stone walls that gave off an eerie, cold feeling. She didn't recognize the place at all. Panic began to rise as she struggled to remember how she got there. The last thing she recalled was being with her boyfriend Cheong a couple of hours ago.Cheong had finally asked her out and she had accepted. Things have happened so fast that they'd kissed a couple of times, almost leading to something else. She had never felt what she felt towards Cheong for any guy before and she had really grown to love him.She had gone out with Cheong and they had had a good time together. Everything had been so perfect, sharing a couple of heartwarming kisses. She couldn't help but wonder if it was Cheong who had brought her there but it wasn't looking like it, as there was nothing romantic about the room.The walls were adorned with photo