Whispers of Hollowbrooks

Chapter 9: Awakening Desires

Ethan

Stepping into the house, I expected to find Adeline waiting for me. I had texted her to let her know I would be arriving late, but with it already well past 10 p.m., I knew from my last message, sent over half an hour ago, that she was probably sound asleep. She had a habit of turning in early, especially after long days at the inn, where she often worked from open to close, handling everything from reservations to window displays.

But I didn't mind the late nights. I was eager to show her that I wanted more than just a fleeting connection. After all, the plan was to surprise her with a home-cooked meal. I had hoped to express my gratitude for her friendship over the past month, for forgiving me, and for letting me back into her life. It was huge for me, and I wanted her to know just how much I appreciated it.

As I took off my boots and jacket, I was filled with warmth, not just from the late evening air but also from the thought of being close to her. I didn't care about the small-town rumors or gossip swirling around us; the whispers were already there. I could hear them every time we walked into town together, people looking at us sideways. But I was determined to make it clear that Adeline was mine—my sunshine in the dark, my anchor.

The past few weeks had been chaotic with the string of murders that had gripped Hollowbrook. The victims were chosen with eerie precision, and the chilling details of the killings only added fuel to the fire of local legends. The legend of the Headless Horseman resurfaced, its dark shadow hanging over our town like a specter. It felt surreal that the very myth that had haunted our childhoods was now intertwined with the reality of a killer on the loose.

I couldn't shake the feeling that whoever was behind these murders was using the legend as a mask, blending myth with murder. Three lives had been taken, and I was on edge with the thought that Adeline could be next. The police department had ramped up patrols, but it felt like we were fighting shadows. Every corner of this town held whispers of danger, and I was determined to keep Adeline safe, even if that meant shadowing her everywhere she went.

As I took my time to check the house, I found myself replaying the details of the murders in my mind. The killer had left no clues, just a chilling pattern—three victims, all of them tied to the town's history. I couldn't help but draw parallels between the murders and the ghost stories that had plagued Hollowbrook for generations. How many people believed in the Headless Horseman? Enough to fuel a fear that spread like wildfire through the townsfolk.

The night I'd been called to the scene of the last murder, I remembered the way the fog rolled in, shrouding everything in an eerie stillness. It was like the town itself was holding its breath. The victim had been found near the edge of the forest, a place where many claimed to hear voices calling out to them, luring them deeper into the woods. It made me shiver just thinking about it.

Making sure everything was locked up, I headed toward the stairs and to her bedroom. The older house creaked some, but at the same time, it was so peaceful. The wall up the stairs was littered with picture frames. Taking a glance, I saw how much love and happiness Adeline had had here with her family, but I also felt the loneliness of being in a house all alone now. I should know; my childhood home felt the same, not that I barely lived in it right now with how much I was over here.

The light in the hallway led me to her bedroom, where I found her sprawled out on the bed, looking like an angel. My heart swelled at the sight. She lay half in the covers, wearing an oversized long-sleeve and fuzzy socks, with Beast curled up at her feet. It was a perfect picture of peace, and for a moment, I stood still, absorbing the scene.

As I quietly approached, Beast lifted his head, tail wagging in excitement. I smiled and placed a finger to my lips, signaling him to be quiet. Then I slipped under the covers beside Adeline, feeling the warmth of her body against mine as I nestled her closer. Her breath was soft and rhythmic, a sweet melody that calmed my racing heart.