Page 60 of Darkness Falls

The lawyer proceeds to give me her address, and a few minutes later, I'm being picked up by my Uber driver, Ken. I let my mind space out as Ken drives me just outside of Braxton Falls. It's more secluded here than I'd like, considering I'm meeting a stranger, but if this is what my parents wanted me to do, I'm going to do it.

Growing up, we moved around a lot. It was part of the free lifestyle they wanted me to experience. They always talked about Braxton Falls no matter where we went, so one day, I told them we should move back. If there's a place you love, you should be there.

When we got here, Ifell in love with this town just like they did. There's something about it that just draws you in. I wish there was a way for me to explain it. Maybe one day, I’ll pack up and go back on the road like we did when I was a kid. Callie has her men, and she doesn't need me here anyway.

We pull into a driveway, and I take a look up at the house. There isn't anything special about it, and if I didn't already know better, I would have no clue this is a lawyer's house. I thank my driver and step up to the front door, knocking lightly.

When the door swings open, I'm completely taken aback by what I see. The most gorgeous woman I've ever laid my eyes on stands before me in a tight pencil skirt with a white buttoned-down shirt tucked into her top. The skirt hugs her body like a glove, and the first two buttons of her top are undone, giving me a peek at the curvature of her breasts.

I trail my eyes up her form until they land on her face. She has stunning green eyes with the tiniest hue of brown surrounding her pupils. Her nose is petite, and her lips are so full. I wonder for a moment how soft they would feel if I were to lean in and press mine to them. She has the darkest black hair I've ever seen, which is a sharp contrast to the pale color of her skin. Her hair is tied back, with loose locks flowing around her face to frame it. When she smiles at me to offer me her hand, I almost fall over at the sight of her dimples.

"You must be Avery. I'm Reese. It's so nice to meet you. I'm sorry it has to be under these circumstances." I have to bringmyself back to reality, and my hand meets hers as I shake it to say hello.

"Like the candy" is the first thing I say, and I almost immediately regret it. I don't know what the hell is going on in my head right now, but I'm blaming the delusion on my mental state and the fact that my parents just died.

"I suppose so, yes. Your parents did say you have an oddly sarcastic sense of humor."

My parents. What did they tell her about me? Hopefully, it’s nothing too wild because she's hot as fuck. She steps to the side of the doorway and motions for me to join her in the house.

"Umm. You're not some crazy person that I have to worry about murdering me and hiding me under the floorboards of your creepy house, are you?"

She looks at me with concern. Her eyebrows furrow, and her lips purse before a smile overtakes her face. There are those dimples again.

"I wasn't thinking of murdering you, but if you don't get inside so we can go over our business, I might change my mind."

"You've got jokes, candy girl. I like it." I step into her house, and she leads me to a kitchen where a wooden box is set out on the table.

She offers me a letter and curiously, I reach out to grab it. "I believe this also belongs to you. I'll give you a moment to read it."

Before I can say anything else, she steps out of the room. I seat myself in one of the chairs in front of the box and turn the letter over in myhand. It has my mom’s handwriting on it. My heart aches, and tears well up in my eyes. I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle this, but with a shaky hand, I carefully open the envelope and pull out a letter.

My dearest Avery,

If you're reading this letter, your father and I have passed on from this life. I am so sorry that we are leaving you to navigate this world alone. The first thing I want you to know is that you are one of the best things to ever happen to us. We love you more than you will ever know. Raising you to be the courageous, free spirit that you are, has been nothing short of a blessing.

Your father and I made choices to ensure you had as many opportunities as possible, but there are some things that we never told you. I feel as though you should know now. I'm so sorry I can't be there to hold your hand through this, baby, but you are strong, and I know you will make the right choice.

Your father and I were part of a secret society that we've kept hidden from you for your entire life. I know this must sound crazy, and you probably want to tell me that secret societies aren't real, but we never wanted that life for you. The community we were part of before you were born was built on strong values, but over the last several decades, it transformed into something that we no longer agree with. It's not a safe place for women to be raised in. Your father and I made a choice to step aside and start our family outside of Rogue.

Rogue knows us as Elizabeth and Martin Stone, one of their four founding families. You know us as your loving parents, Sage and Stanley Pierce.We devoted our lives to the society before deciding to step away and raise a family outside of their corrupt community.

A year before you were born, someone burned down our home in Braxton Falls with your older sister, who was just a baby inside. Your sister did not survive the fire, and they presumed us dead, so your father and I took on new identities. I was completely distraught from losing my child, but a few months later, we were blessed with the knowledge of you. You became my entire reason for living. Because of you, I was able to pull myself together to be the best mother I could possibly be. I was given another chance at motherhood because of you, my baby girl.

Your father and I tried our best to raise you to be the best possible young woman you could be. We want you to always make the hard decisions and be brave. You are part of the legacy of Rogue, and it's up to you whether or not you wish to go to them to inquire further. Inside the box we left for you are several things you can use to find Rogue and prove to them you are who this letter says you are, if that is what you wish.

Avery, I love you so much; please don't ever forget that. You are one of the best things to ever happen to me. Please be careful with whatever you decide and be careful who you trust. You are a shining star, and people always try to dim the brightest lights.

Love you always and forever,

Mom

"Oh my god! There's no way!" I yell after slamming the letter down on the table. Reese peers around the corner, eyeing me cautiously.

"Are you alright in here?"

I turn to face her, trying to keep the massive pile of emotions inside me from spewing out all at once. When my eyes meet hers, all I can do is laugh hysterically right in her face.

"Ummmm..." she trails off.

---