XENOI

Chapter 3: Scream

[Silver Creek, 7pm]

At Silver Creek, as the residents of Everwood retreated from the area affected by the incident, the G.A.R.D. team moved in to begin their investigation. Flashlights cut through the encroaching darkness as the team members spread out, meticulously searching for any clues that might shed light on the mysterious events.

One of the agents, Officer Miller, walked through the dense undergrowth with a focused expression. His flashlight beam danced across the grass and trees, illuminating the scene in sharp, flickering bursts. The silence was interrupted only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the nearby creek.

Suddenly, Miller's stride faltered. He felt a chill run down his spine, as if someone had whispered directly into his ear. The sensation was unsettling, and he stopped, trying to locate the source of the disturbance.

“What the hell was that?” Miller muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. He raised his flashlight, sweeping it across the area where he had felt the presence. The beam cut through the darkness, revealing nothing but swaying grass and shadowy trees.

“Hey, Miller! Everything alright?” called out another agent from a few feet away.

“Yeah, just thought I heard something,” Miller replied, trying to shake off the lingering unease. “Probably just the wind. I’ll keep checking.”

Davis gave a brief nod and turned back to his own search, leaving Miller alone in the eerie quiet. Miller scanned the area once more, his flashlight’s beam probing the darkness. The rustling sound from earlier seemed to have stopped, and there was no sign of movement.

But as Miller prepared to continue his search, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching him. He shivered, feeling a pair of unseen eyes fixed on him from the shadows. The oppressive darkness seemed to close in around him, amplifying his sense of unease.

Miller sighed and shook his head. “Get a grip, Miller. You’re just imagining things.”

He moved on, leaving behind the spot where he had felt the disturbance, oblivious to the sinister presence lurking just beyond the edge of the flashlight’s reach. As he continued his search, the unseen entity remained hidden, its dark form blending seamlessly with the surrounding gloom.

•••
[PRESENT]

The sudden intrusion drew immediate attention. Carolyn, stood up, her face a mix of concern and protectiveness. "What exactly do you want with my son?" she demanded, her voice filled with worry and determination.

Franco's gaze shifted to Aldien, who was seated in his wheelchair, visibly unsettled. "I seem to have pronounced the name incorrectly. It's Aldien Varese, correct?" Franco clarified, his tone professional and unyielding.

Aldien, feeling a surge of anxiety, nodded hesitantly. "V-Varese, sir... that's me," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

"Very well, Aldien Varese," Franco said, his tone steady and authoritative. "We need your cooperation for an important matter."

"Mister, I'm Carolyn Varese, and I'm Aldien's guardian," Carolyn stated firmly, her voice unwavering. "If you need anything from him, you'll have to go through me first. Frankly, I'm not sure I can trust you with that appearance of yours."

Franco began to speak, "But ma'am-"

Carolyn cut him off, her tone even more assertive. "And besides, my son has just been through a traumatic event. I can't allow him to be put through more stress, not right now."

Before she could continue, Aldien interjected, his voice calm but firm. "Mom, please, calm down. Let him speak first."

Carolyn hesitated, her protective instincts still strong, but eventually relented with a nod. "Okay, go on."