Ocean Love

Chapter 3

I pushed open the door to my apartment, feeling the weight of the day dragging me down with every step. The moment I crossed the threshold, the familiar scent of lavender hit me, calming my nerves ever so slightly. It was quiet—too quiet. Sarah had gone to the grocery store, leaving me alone with my thoughts, which, after today, was the last thing I wanted.

I kicked off my shoes, barely caring where they landed, and made my way to my bedroom. The soft light of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I paused in front of the mirror, catching a glimpse of myself. My eyes looked tired, more so than I had seen in a long time. My hair was a mess, strands sticking out at odd angles after the intense training session. But what really caught my attention were my eyes. They seemed... different, like there was something lurking beneath the surface. The Ascendance had changed me—I could feel it in my bones.

With a sigh, I pulled off my jacket and reached for my favorite hoodie. It was oversized, a little worn at the cuffs, and soft as a cloud. Sliding it on was like wrapping myself in a hug. I paired it with some old sweatpants, the kind that you keep around just because they’re comfortable, no matter how many holes they have. As I tugged the hood over my head, I felt a small sense of comfort—a barrier between me and the world, even if just for a moment.

The apartment was eerily quiet without Sarah’s usual chatter. Normally, she would be here, filling the space with her energy, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. But tonight, it was just me, the silence, and the dull throb of exhaustion that settled deep in my muscles.

I wandered into the living room and collapsed onto the couch, sinking into the cushions. The clock on the wall ticked softly, a reminder that time was still moving, even if it felt like I was stuck in place. My mind replayed the events of the day—the ritual, the pain, the surge of power that had almost overwhelmed me. I could still feel it, simmering just beneath the surface, waiting for me to tap into it again. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

I closed my eyes, hoping for a moment of peace, but the memories wouldn’t leave me alone. The ritual had been unlike anything I had ever experienced. It wasn’t just the power—it was the fear of losing myself to it. I had always known there was something different about me, something that set me apart from the others. But now, that difference was more pronounced than ever. I wasn’t just a hunter—I was something more. And that scared me.

The thought of what was to come weighed heavily on my mind. The Eclipsed, the disturbance in the Veil, the dangers that were lurking just out of sight. I had to be ready for it all, but right now, I just felt drained.

I opened my eyes and stared up at the ceiling, trying to focus on the present moment. But all I could think about was how everything had changed so quickly. Yesterday, the biggest thing on my mind was a mysterious stranger at an amusement park. Today, I was grappling with a power that could either save me or destroy me.

A soft knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts. I sat up, wondering if Sarah had returned earlier than expected. But when I opened the door, there was no one there. Just the cool evening air and a small package left on the doormat. Frowning, I picked it up, noticing there was no label or note.

Curiosity piqued, I brought the package inside and set it on the kitchen counter. It was wrapped in plain brown paper, nothing fancy, but it felt heavier than it looked. Carefully, I tore open the wrapping, revealing a small, intricately carved wooden box. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized the symbol etched into the lid—the same crescent moon and star that marked the entrance to the Hunter Agency.

I hesitated, a chill running down my spine. The Agency wasn’t known for sending packages, especially not to their own hunters. What was this?

I slowly opened the box, half-expecting something dangerous. Instead, there was a small, silver pendant nestled inside. It was shaped like a teardrop, smooth and polished, with a faint blue glow emanating from within. There was something mesmerizing about it, something that drew me in. As I reached out to touch it, a sudden warmth spread through my fingers, and for a moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm, like the pendant was trying to tell me something.