Van Deloney: To My Dearest Emma [[BOOK ONE]]

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑿𝑽

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NOTICE OF CONTENT TRIGGER WARNING

This novel contains harsh descriptions of heinous crimes, violence, gore, swear words, and disturbing scenes, and other issues that may be considered inappropriate for younger readers. Parents are advised to exercise caution when determining whether this content is appropriate for their children.

THE BLACKPOOL CATASTROPHE

November 25, 1882

VERONICA'S finger was still firmly glued to the trigger of the sniper as she continued shooting from the window of the manor, with a precise and accurate aim. Vladimir, on the other hand, was still restrained in the corner of the room, unable to move because of the rope that was tightly tied around him.

Vladimir suddenly asked Veronica a bizarre question about the myth that was said to haunt this particular area. "You do are aware of the myth that lurks within these grounds, right?" Veronica's ears immediately perked up, yet she remained with the sniper's locust.

Veronica remained focused with her sniper, aiming at the target that was located outside the manor. She was fully intent on eliminating the threat. However, she responded to Vladimir's statement with a calm and collected demeanor, as she seemed to be quite unaffected by the myth. "It seems that you know about the mythological tale that is being shared about this place. But I am quite certain that it is only a mere folklore and nothing else."

"Good to know, but let's get one fact clear. You were the one who orchestrated this myth to become true. It was you who murdered the dead bodies we saw in the woods. Slashing them and burying them at the same time. I know you so well because I taught you that. I was right after all, can't I?" he said, with his gaze fixed on her with a cold face.

"So, you are accusing me of being responsible for the newspaper's headline of the 'Lost souls myth lures in Blackpool today'?" Veronica said as she maintained her composure and focus.

"In a way, yes. But how those bodies were killed, I just knew it was you. Now don't deny it," he said, his eyes locking with hers as she put her sniper down. Veronica scoffed and gave him a smirking response.

"Perhaps I am the one behind it." Veronica spoke bluntly with a sudden change in emotions. She then turned her gaze back to the crosshairs of her sniper rifle, but when she looked back just a moment later, she suddenly realized that she lost her target while she was busy listening to Vladimir's accusations. She immediately turned back to her sniper, hoping to find her target once again. But, to her utter surprise and confusion, she no longer seen the girl's figure in the same spot she was a few seconds back. "Hold on...Where did she go?"

Unexpectedly, a loud bang noise crashed through the wall they were standing beside. The air was swept by a powerful gust of wind as dust particles filled the surrounding atmosphere. Veronica regained her composure from the disruptive commotion. Then, a violent slash of a scythe was inches away from her as she performed a graceful maneuver to evade the attack.

"SO HERE IS WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN HIDING!" Lindice exclaimed in a commanding tone as she took her weapon from the wall and swung it towards Veronica. Veronica swiftly evaded the other's attacks, quickly procuring a sniper rifle from the floor and leaping out of the second floor to the ground floor outside the manor where the space is more abundant in order to engage in their hostilities.

In the meantime, Vladimir swiftly utilized his bodily movements to seize the shattered glass situated on the floor. He promptly took hold of it and sliced the rope constraining him. Upon freeing himself, he dashed towards the door in hot pursuit of their principal aim, rather than anyone else; 'The former Duke of Ethyria-Theocropolis' was the sole individual they were targeting.