Page 3 of Hunted on Halloween

“Let’s go.” Tieran stood and jumped from the building. He didn’t know if this was something he would have been able to do in his world or if he had been changed on some level that he would never know of.

“Are we going to see him?” Rylin asked as they moved through their people as a blur that no one could see.

Him, Tieran’s father. The official king. He kept hoping that one day his father would become the male he used to be. With each passing All Hallows', that one desire grew more distant.

They stood in front of the simple house that held captive the high king and examined the wards. Finding them intact, Tieran activated a small ward that would allow him and Rylin in but wouldn’t allow his father out.

“High king, your son has come to visit.” Tieran expected to see his father on the floor slobbering away over several blood packs that were delivered daily. That was how he always was when he came to visit.

This time, the house was clean. Since he kept his father in total isolation, (for his sake and the safety of their people), the only one who could have cleaned his house was himself.

Tieran looked at Rylin, who shook his head. They continued to move cautiously until they found his father in what the humans called a living room. He was watching the telly that had things that ran on it consistently. They had found the place it was coming from but left it alone. What did it matter what they broadcast? It wasn’t what was hurting his people.

“They are amazing people. Evil but amazing. I’ve been entertaining myself with their antics.” He turned around, and Tieran cried out, going to one knee.

This was the male he remembered growing up, the one he relied upon, whose words were wisdom and always helped him along the way.

“Father.”

“My son, high king of our people.”

“No, you’re alive, well. I can never…” His father pulled Tieran to his feet and wrapped him in a massive hug.

“Listen to me, boy, and listen well.” Tieran looked into his father’s eyes. They were clear, as was his voice. This was the high king he remembered.

“I will never leave this world. You are now the high king. Our people are your people. I love you; I’ve always loved you and believed in you. The next step belongs to you. Go prepare for All Hallows'.”

Chapter Two

Tia stood at thewindow, looking out at the empty street. It was five p.m. and darkness had descended thirty minutes ago. There wasn’t the laughter of children pulling their parents along. The young ones should be getting an early start on trick or treating because they only did half days in school.

The neighbors weren’t setting out last-minute decorations. Hell, everything had stopped about two p.m. Stores closed, and schools got out early. There was an air of fear that settled like an oppressive blanket around their shoulders. People were walking down the streets crying as they held fiercely onto their children. She’d even seen people checking to make sure that their funeral arrangements were up to date.

Tia couldn’t wrap her mind around what was happening. She sighed. There was nothing out there to see. It was time to give Brenna a call.

“Brenna’s line, you talk I’ll shine.” Her best friend answered in a cheerful voice.

“Are you listening to music? Wait, did I hear someone in the background? Are you having a party and didn’t invite me?” Tia asked.

“Woman, chill. First, your mother would have kittens if you left the house, and you know it. Second, let’s call this a private party of two,” Brenna said.

“Hell, now I’m really jealous. Anyone I know? And I didn’t know you were seeing someone. It’s kind of on the down low every time he comes to town.”

“Brenna, you’re going to get hurt.” She didn’t say again, but they could both hear it hanging out there.

“Can we talk about it tomorrow?”

“Yeah, we can. I won’t drop this.” Tia cared about her bestie too much to stand on the sidelines as another train wreck came for her.

“That’s why you’re my bestie. Later, hun.” Brenna hung up, and Tia sighed. It was a problem for another day.

She looked out the window, noticing it was even darker. Off in the distance, she thought she heard the howl of a wolf. Shaking her head, she got comfortable on the couch, thinking about the food her mom brought over yesterday.

***

The low growl of a wolf woke Tia. It shook her, making the hair on her arms rise as her spine tingled with dread.

“What the hell?” She got up and went to her window, hitting her knees at the last minute. If there really were monsters out there or wolves, she didn’t want to advertise the Tai special. All you can eat. Lifting the edge of the bottom curtain, she looked out at the street. She dropped the curtain, fell back on her ass, and placed the palm of her hand in her mouth to keep from screaming.

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