Curse Of The Aswangs (The Vasquez Brothers #1)[COMPLETED]

34: ASH

The streets were quiet under the cover of night, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. My footsteps echoed softly beside Trevor's as we made our usual rounds. The routine of our nightly patrols had become almost second nature, but tonight felt different.

My thoughts were scattered, jumping between the supernatural threats we faced and the tangled mess of my personal life. Trying to hold it all together—school, the powers, the patrols—it felt like trying to balance on a tightrope with no end in sight.

Trevor walked a few paces ahead, his eyes sharp and alert, scanning the alleys for any signs of danger. He was always so calm, so composed. I envied that about him sometimes. Meanwhile, my mind kept drifting back to Frankie.

Something wasn't right with him. I couldn't pinpoint it exactly, but I'd seen the signs. He was always just a little too evasive, a little too eager to deflect questions whenever things got serious. There was a distance between us now, one that I couldn't ignore.

"Witcher?" Trevor's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"You've been quiet all night. Something on your mind?"

I hesitated, not sure how much I should say. Trevor was sharp, but he also had a strong sense of loyalty, and I wasn't sure if accusing someone within our circle was the right move. But the suspicion gnawed at me.

"It's just... I think Frankie might be hiding something," I finally admitted, keeping my voice low.

Trevor slowed his pace, turning to face me. "What makes you say that?"

"I don't know. It's just a feeling. He's been acting strange lately, avoiding certain topics. He's not as invested as he used to be."

Trevor considered this for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You think he's the traitor?"

I nodded slowly. "I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it makes sense, Trevor. We've had a few close calls recently, and Frankie always seems to be missing or late. What if he's feeding information to someone else?"

Trevor sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's a serious accusation, Witcher. We need more than gut feelings before we confront him."

"You're right," I muttered. "I just can't shake the feeling that something's going to happen, and we're not ready for it."

Trevor glanced at me, his eyes softening. "Then we'll keep an eye on him."

I narrowed my gaze. "Or maybe you're the one who's acting strange."

"What?" He ruffled his hair. "No, I'm...I'm not acting strange. You are completely off your mind."

"And who's the demon between us?"

Trevor paused for a moment and then he said. "Have you ever thought...if we ever met before?"

Now that was something to think about. "I have though. Have I seen you before?"

"I used to work at a Samgyupsalan before." Trevor chuckled, shaking his head. "What are your theories?"

"Me and my friends used to go at this Samgyupsalan last year." I said, recalling the time when I was singing loudly with them in the car. "it's a beautiful place, mango trees surrounded it, the smell of pork and kimchi."

"I hate kimchi." Trevor grimaced.

"Why do you hate it?" I chuckled. "It is good."

"No, it tastes awful!"

****

The sharp, tangy smell of kimchi hit me the second we stepped into the store, and I grinned. I could already tell Trevor was regretting letting me drag him in here. His nose scrunched up like he'd walked into a room full of dirty socks.

"Why did you drag me here?" he muttered, shooting me a look like I'd just betrayed him. "You know I don't like this stuff."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Because I like it. And besides, you haven't really given it a chance."