Page 51 of An Ancient Power's Revenge

Alexei nodded in agreement, his expression grave. "And what about the vampires? The curfew might upset them," he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

I sighed, knowing that we needed all the help we could get if we were to stand a chance against the darkness that threatened to engulf us.

"You need to mobilize them, let them know the dangers ahead now and how they can be of help to the place they have known as their home all their lives." I said, my voice firm with resolve.

"And inform the supernatural council. We need all hands-on deck now. I also think we should inform the werewolves. They might have asked to be left alone but this concerns them too."

As we pulled up outside the Sheriff’s Department, I felt a sense of purpose wash over me. "Thank you, Alexei," I said softly, gratitude shining in my eyes.

He reached out, squeezing my hand in silent support. "Be careful, Evelyn," he said, his voice filled with concern.

With a nod, I stepped out of the car and headed inside, the weight of our mission heavy on my shoulders. As Alexei drove away, I knew that we were facing a battle unlike any other. But as long as we stood together, I was confident that we could overcome whatever challenges lay ahead, united in our determination to protect the town we called home.

Chapter 28- Dimitir and the Pub

Alexei

The night hung heavy around me as I dialed my sister's number, the weight of our investigation pressing down on my shoulders. Ana answered on the second ring, her voice tight with concern.

"Alexei, what's wrong?" she asked, her tone filled with worry.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Ana, we need to meet," I said, my voice clipped with urgency. "It's about the murders."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Ana responded. "Of course, Alexei. Where do you want to meet?"

I glanced around the empty streets, searching for a suitable location. "Let's meet at the park," I suggested, knowing it would be quiet and secluded.

"Alright, I'll see you there," Ana replied before hanging up.

As I drove to the park, my mind raced with thoughts of the Nogitsune and the dark forces that threatened to tear our world apart. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me, knowing that we were facing an enemy unlike any we had encountered before.

When I arrived at the park, Ana was already waiting for me, her expression grave as she took in the sight of me approaching.

"What's going on, Alexei?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

I took a deep breath, preparing to reveal the truth. "We visited Mystic Vale," I began, recounting our harrowing experience in the abandoned town. "And I learned about the Nogitsune."

Ana's eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to her mouth in horror. "A Nogitsune? But how is that possible?"

I shook my head, my mind still reeling from the revelation. "I don't know, Ana. But we need to act fast if we're going to stop it."

She nodded in agreement, her expression grim with determination. "I have a hunch," she said slowly, her eyes glinting with resolve. "We need to speak to Dimitri's wife. She might have some answers."

Dimitri. The name sent a shiver down my spine, reminding me of the vampire who had been the killer's latest victim. "You're right," I agreed, knowing that Ana's instincts were rarely wrong.

Together, we made our way to Dimitri's home, the night shrouding us in darkness as we approached the quiet street. I knocked on the door, my heart pounding with anticipation.

After a moment, the door creaked open to reveal a young woman, her face drawn with grief. "Mayor Alexei, Ana, thank you for stopping by." she welcomed us, her voice tinged with sadness.

As Vera welcomed us into her home, the weight of grief hung heavy in the air, casting a somber mood over the dimly lit livingroom. She led us to a worn couch, her movements slow and deliberate as she settled herself beside us.

"I appreciate you both coming," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "It's been a difficult time."

Ana and I exchanged sympathetic glances before I spoke, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. "We're here to help, Vera," I assured her, my tone gentle.

She nodded, her eyes brimming with tears as she began to recount the events leading up to Dimitri's death. "He had been acting strange for weeks, he was always visiting that pub downtown.

He said he was meeting with work friends." she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "And then one day, I came home early from work and found him meeting with some strange friends, I had never seen them before in my life."

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