Page 48 of An Ancient Power's Revenge

"I think I know where we might find some answers," I said, meeting her gaze.

Evelyn nodded, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Mystic Vale," she said, her voice resolute.

I hesitated for a moment, knowing the risks of returning to the abandoned town. But if there was a chance it held the key to solving the murders, it was a risk we had to take.

“Yes, I think we should go together so that we can find out more. Two heads are better than one,” she replied, and I shook my head. It would be risky to set both of us out like that.

"Evelyn, I think I should go alone," I said, my voice gentle but firm. "It's too dangerous for you to come with me."

Evelyn shook her head, her eyes flashing with determination. "I can't let you go alone, Alexei," she insisted. "There's too much at stake, and I need to be there."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. "But Evelyn, if something were to happen to you..." I trailed off, unable to voice the fear that gnawed at my insides.

Evelyn stepped closer, reaching out to grasp my hand in hers. "I understand your concerns, Alexei. But we're in this together, and I won't let you face this danger alone."

I met her gaze, seeing the fierce determination burning in her eyes. Despite my reservations, I knew that there was no changing her mind once she had made it up.

"But Evelyn, what about Harmony Grove?" I argued, trying to reason with her. "If something were to happen to both of us, who would protect the town?"

Evelyn's expression softened, and she squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Harmony Grove will be fine, Alexei. We've trained our deputies well, and they'll keep things under control while we're gone."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration at her stubbornness, but I knew that arguing further would be futile.

"Alright," I relented, resignation settling over me. "But promise me you'll be careful, Evelyn. I couldn't bear to lose you."

Evelyn smiled, a warm glow of gratitude spreading across her features. "I promise, Alexei."

We spent the evening making preparations for our journey, gathering supplies and discussing our plan of action.

As we sat down to dinner, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at me. Mystic Vale was a place shrouded in mystery, and I couldn't shake the feeling that we were walking into something far more dangerous than we could have imagined.

But Evelyn was undeterred, her determination unwavering as she spoke of her theories and plans for our investigation.

I listened, my heart heavy with worry for her safety. But I knew that no matter what dangers lay ahead, we would face them together.

The next morning, we set out for Mystic Vale, to the abandoned town looming before us like a specter from the past.

The road stretched out before us, winding through the quiet countryside as we made our way towards Mystic Vale. Neither of us spoke, lost in our own thoughts as we contemplated the mysteries that awaited us in the abandoned town.

I focused on the road ahead, my hands tight on the steering wheel as I navigated the twists and turns of the unfamiliar terrain. Beside me, Evelyn sat in silence, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

Suddenly, I felt her hand reach out to touch mine, and I glanced over to see her offering me a reassuring smile. I squeezed her hand in return, grateful for the silent comfort she offered.

As we finally reached Mystic Vale, a sense of unease settled over me. The town appeared even more deserted than I remembered, the empty buildings looming ominously in the fading light.

We parked the car and stepped out onto the deserted street, the silence broken only by the sound of our footsteps echoing off the empty buildings.

I glanced around, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach as I realized that the woman and her son were nowhere to be found.

"Evelyn, they're gone," I said, my voice heavy with disappointment.

She frowned, her eyes scanning the deserted streets with a determined intensity. "We can't give up yet, Alexei," she insisted. "There has to be something here that can help us."

I wanted to argue, to convince her that it was futile to continue searching. But as I looked into her eyes, filled with unwavering determination, I knew that there was no changing her mind.

"Alright," I relented. "But let's be quick about it. We don't know what dangers may lurk in these abandoned streets."

We split up, each of us scouring the empty buildings for any sign of the woman and her son. But no matter where we looked, there was no trace of them to be found.

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