The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 15: Family secrets

Tragedy Strikes Ravenwood: Mayor Wade Crowley Shot to Death

In a shocking turn of events, the quiet town of Ravenwood was thrust into a state of mourning yesterday evening as news broke that Mayor Wade Crowley was shot to death. The incident occurred just after the mayor had finished his day at the town hall and was heading to his car.

At approximately 7 pm, residents of Ravenwood heard what was initially thought to be firecrackers echoing through the quiet streets. However, as the sounds persisted, it became evident that something far more sinister was unfolding. Witnesses reported seeing Mayor Crowley near his car when an unknown assailant approached and opened fire.

Local law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene, cordoning off the area and launching a thorough investigation into the tragic incident. The mayor was rushed to hospital, but despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries.

Mayor Crowley, who had been at the helm of Ravenwood for almost three years, was known for his dedication to the community. He was often seen as a unifying figure, working tirelessly to address the concerns of the townspeople and fostering a sense of belonging in Ravenwood.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community grapples with this shocking loss.

The Ravenwood Town Council has declared a period of mourning, and flags at public buildings will be flown at half-mast in memory of Mayor Crowley. The entire town is left in disbelief, grappling with the loss of a leader whose impact on Ravenwood will be remembered for years to come.

The investigation into the murder is ongoing, and the Ravenwood community waits anxiously for answers and justice for Mayor Wade Crowley.

I found this article while I was rummaging through the dusty shelves of our school library. My fingers grazed an old newspaper, and a faded headline caught my attention. The brittle pages whispered secrets of a tragic incident.

In that quiet corner of the library, the words painted a vivid picture of Ravenwood plunged into grief. Mayor Crowley, father of my friend Kaira, was now forever frozen in the words of the article. I couldn't help but wonder if this unsolved mystery was connected to the other enigmatic occurrences that seemed to shroud our town in a cloak of secrecy.

The mere idea that the mayor's death might be linked to the town's other mysteries set my mind racing. Mr. Everglenn must remember at least something.

***
I was sitting in Mia's room at Di Flores Manor in the evening. Got my study groove on for history class. This place makes hitting the books way easier.

I like the vintage vibe of this place. The creaks and soft sounds of the place kind of join in with the history lessons. Feels like the whole manor is helping me focus. The lamp's throwing a warm glow on my books, making it all feel kinda magical.

The history books are sprawled out, giving me a ticket to different times. Learning here feels like the mansion's whispering its stories to me. Concentrating in this old-school setting is next level, thanks to the vibes of Di Flores Manor.

As the night kicks in, I'm still at it, flipping through pages. Mia's room is like a time capsule, where the past and now collide. Learning here is like catching up with an old friend - cozy and full of stories.

I had been sitting there for about an hour already when something peculiar began to happen. It was as if the air in the room had thickened, creating an almost tangible tension. I could sense it so clearly.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught my attention. I turned toward the source... Emerging through the wall was the apparition of a young girl, her form translucent and ethereal.

"Who... Who are you?" I almost felt electricity in my mind.

She looked lost and confused, her eyes searching the room as if seeing it for the first time. I had never encountered this ghostly presence before, and yet, there was an undeniable connection between this whole story and the appearance of the spectral figure.

"Hello, don't be afraid of me. I am Emberlynn Everglenn."