Desiree The Half Elf Princess Warrior: Keeper of the Rune

CONVERSATIONS WITH DEAD PEOPLE

CHAPTER TEN

     She's also a werewolf. 

     Brenda's words reverberated in Desiree's mind by the following morning as she arrived at school early thanks to Aiden giving her a ride on the way to his job at the Ember Falls police precinct, where he was a patrolman. It also happened to be the day of Mavah, the Festival of New Life. Her head was spinning as the memory of yesterday's shocking events flashed across her mind's eye. She tried process everything all at once, including the horrible admission that her adopted mother was responsible for the deaths of Isabella's family. to come to grips with both the mysterious text someone had sent on her cell phone yesterday after the grisly massacre of the school guidance counselor, Miss Wiseman. So far, the identity of the texter, remained an utter mystery. No one had come forward to claim responsibility for the message at all. 

     "What's the matter, kiddo? You seem distracted this morning," Aiden said. 

     "What's the Festival of New Life?" Desiree asked. 

     "The Festival of New Life, is a historical holiday celebrated just before the first crescent moon of winter. It was first established some five hundred years ago by the founders of the town. It is held every 6 months the with a lot of anticipation. It's a holiday with mysterious roots, but today it is mostly associated with night walks, parades, random acts of kindness and face painting. It is officially celebrated for eight days, but it can be both shorter and longer, depending on personal preferences." 

     "I see," Desiree said. "Indeed, but I don't think The Festival of New Life has anything to do with it, does it. If I hazard a guess I would say the incident that it has something to do with what happened at your school, yesterday? 'Cause if you need someone to talk to I am all ears." 

     Desiree made a sour face. "Brenda told you, right? Did she also mentioned that she's expecting me to hand deliver the Rune of Aderise?" 

     Aiden nodded. Desiree wanted nothing more than to tell her adopted father everything that had transpired. including the primary reason Isabella had singled her out: she wanted to get her hands on the necklace that was called the Rune of Aderise. The same necklace that seem to crop up on a regular basis of late. 

     By all accounts, a pattern was starting to form that pinpointed directly at her. She gave her adopted father a sideways glance. "Um, have the police caught the killer. yet? I mean, Isabella?" 

     Aiden let out a heavy sigh. "No. The suspect--- or Isabella... remains at large even as we speak, I'm afraid. I understand she sort of rough you up a bit. Are you okay?" 

     Desiree instinctively rubbed her wrist which was bruised to some extent from Isabella mishandling it, yet, otherwise it didn't hurt at all. "I'll be fine. Nothing to worry about." 

     Aiden's deep brown countenance brightened by her words. "Are you sure? Well, what I am trying to say, is if you feel any pain, no matter how discomfort you might feel...it could be a little or a lot, it really doesn't...but...but my point is: if there's anything you want to tell me don't be afraid to let me know...'cause I am at your disposal." 

     Desiree beamed. "And don't you get all worked up over that woman," he added. "The authorities have everything under control. There will be officers stationed at every entrance of your school should she attempt a second act."