Mysteries of Riverwood

Chapter 57 :- Countdown To Combat

Alex and his friends emerged from the dense woods, their faces illuminated by the pale moonlight. The night was serene and still, with a cool, crisp air that carried the distant hum of crickets. They had reached the opposite bank of the river, a small boat bobbing gently in the moonlit water.

With small group one by one of five, they crossed the river in the boat. First, Sofia climbed in, followed by Dwayne, Andy, Noah and Lucy. Next came Alex, Ava, Leo, Claire, and Kimmy, each finding a spot as they made their way across. Finally, Alice, Alvin, Kevin, and Shoyo made their way over, the boat shifting with their movements.

Once they reached the far shore and disembarked, they gathered began to walk away from the river. As they exited the woods, the landscape opened up to reveal the roadside where their cars were parked. The familiar sight of their vehicles offered a comforting end to their journey, and they eagerly approached them.

They climbed into their cars, the engines rumbling to life, and set off toward the hardware store.

The drive through the sleeping city was surreal. The streets were empty, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, casting long shadows that danced eerily as they passed. The only sound was the steady hum of the car engines and the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. The journey was a mixture of tension and calm, the night's stillness amplifying their anticipation.

As they neared the hardware store, its flickering neon sign came into view. They pulled into the parking lot, the gravel crunching under their tires. The store loomed ahead, a solitary beacon in the dark.

They got out of their cars, stretching their legs. Kyle tried to follow Alex, his bony frame clattering softly. Alex gently pushed him back into the car.

"Uh... no. You have to stay in here," he said firmly.

Kyle's shoulders slumped in a posture of sad resignation and looked down in sadness, his glowing eyes dimming slightly.

Leo glanced back. "And please don't get drool on my upholstery."

Kyle's grin spread wide, his skeletal mouth forming a creepy smile.

Ava chuckled, "That sounds like 'no promises' to me."

Leo sighed, as they all headed toward the store. The door chimes jingled softly as they entered, the sound echoing in the quiet space. Behind the counter, Levin looked up slowly from a tattered paperback, his eyes narrowing. "Hey. I am about to close up, so-"

"Hi, Levin," Alex interrupted.

Levin slapped his book down on the counter, glaring at Alex before turning his steely gaze to his cousin Kimmy. "Kimmy, what are you doing here?"

"Don't be a jerk, Levin," Kimmy retorted, her voice sharp.

"We’re just here to buy supplies."

Levin's glare didn't waver. "Supplies for what-.... Actually, you know what? I don't care, and I don't want to know. Store closes in five minutes, so just get your stuff and get out."

Alex's friends split up to browse the store, each one quickly grabbing what they needed. Meanwhile, Alex made his way to the counter, where Levin was putting away his book and preparing to close up shop.

"Do you have a second?" Alex asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Levin glanced up, his expression skeptical. "For the person who told me everything was fine while some kind of deranged murderer was on the loose? Sure, why wouldn't I?"

Alex took a deep breath. "Look, Levin, I can explain. A lot of really crazy stuff has been happening."

"Yeah, right, like shadow monsters," Levin scoffed, rolling his eyes.