Havenfell

Chapter 4: It's Only Just Begun

After the tour of Havenfell, the group returned to the Havenfell Inn, their minds buzzing with the sights and stories they had absorbed. The inn's cozy ambiance provided a stark contrast to the unsettling undercurrent that had accompanied their walk through the town. They made their way to their respective rooms, eager to rest and process the day's events.

Felicity and Bree settled into their shared room, unpacking their belongings and chatting about the tour. Bree, always the optimist, tried to lighten the mood with her adventurous spirit.

"So, what do you think of Havenfell so far?" she asked, flopping onto her bed with a grin.

Felicity smiled, appreciating Bree's attempt to keep things light. "It's...interesting. A bit creepy, but interesting."

"Yeah, those missing posters were kind of freaky," Bree admitted, her tone growing more serious. "But I'm sure it's nothing. Just a small-town thing, right?"

"Maybe," Felicity replied, though a part of them remained unconvinced. "I'm going to call my dad and let him know we're settled in. I'll be back in a bit."

Bree nodded, already engrossed in her phone. "Sure thing. I'm just going to catch up on some messages."

Felicity stepped out onto the small balcony adjoining their room, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stuffy hotel room. They dialled their dad's number, the familiar sound of the ringtone bringing a sense of comfort and normalcy.

"Hey, Dad," Felicity said when he answered. "Just wanted to give you an update. We made it to Havenfell and got settled into the hotel."

"Hey, sweetie," their dad replied, his voice warm and reassuring. "How's everything going so far?"

"It's good," Felicity said, leaning against the balcony railing. "The town is really pretty, and the tour was interesting. Everyone's doing okay."

"I'm glad to hear that," their dad said. "How are you feeling? Any signs of...you know, stress or anything?"

Felicity appreciated his concern, though they didn't want to worry him. "I'm doing okay, Dad. Really. It's just a lot to take in, but having the group here helps."

Their dad sighed, a mix of relief and lingering worry in his voice. "That's good to hear. Just remember to take things one step at a time. And if you need anything, you can always call me."

"I know, Dad. Thanks," Felicity replied, feeling a warmth spread through their chest. "I will."

Just as they were about to continue the conversation, a strange sound echoed through the night. It was faint, but unmistakable—a low, guttural growl that sent a shiver down Felicity's spine. They glanced around, trying to pinpoint the source, but the darkness obscured everything beyond the balcony's edge.

"Felicity? Are you still there?" their dad's voice brought them back to the present.

"Yeah, Dad," Felicity said, their voice shaky. "I just heard something weird outside. Probably just an animal or something."

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Felicity assured him, though their heart was still pounding. "I'll just head back inside. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Alright, sweetie. Stay safe and get some rest," he said, his voice softening.

"I will. Goodnight, Dad," Felicity replied, ending the call and stepping back into the room.

Bree looked up from her phone, noticing the unsettled expression on Felicity's face. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Felicity said, forcing a smile. "Just a weird noise outside. Probably nothing."

Bree nodded, though her eyes held a hint of concern. "Alright. Try to get some sleep, okay?"

"I will," Felicity promised, climbing into bed and pulling the covers up to their chin.

As they prepared for bed, an unusual glow began to emanate from the windows. Felicity walked over, parting the curtains slightly to peer outside. A faint, shimmering dome of light was forming over the town, casting an eerie glow over the buildings and streets.

"What is that?" Bree asked, joining Felicity at the window, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of fear.

"I have no idea," Felicity replied, their heart racing. "It looks like some kind of shield or barrier."

Bree frowned, her excitement giving way to concern. "Do you think it's dangerous?"

"I don't know," Felicity said, their mind racing with possibilities. "But whatever it is, it seems like it's meant to protect the town."

Bree nodded; her expression serious. "Well, let's hope it works. Maybe we can ask Kelly about it tomorrow."

"Yeah," Felicity agreed, though a sense of unease lingered. "For now, let's try to get some sleep."

As they climbed into bed, Felicity couldn't shake the feeling that the shimmering shield was a sign of something more sinister at play. Despite the comfort of the room and the presence of their friends, the unsettling sound and the strange barrier outside lingered in their mind, a reminder that Havenfell held more secrets than they had yet uncovered.