Shadows of the Past (Shadows of VarDev High Sequel)

8.

**Chapter Eight: Shadows Strike**

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the streets of TideRoss as Haley, Icarus, and Tyler exited the café, their cups still steaming in their hands. The town felt eerily quiet, as if it were holding its breath in anticipation of the darkness that loomed ahead. The weight of Agnes’s revelations pressed on them, but they were resolute to keep moving forward.

“I think we should check out the old high school next,” Haley suggested, glancing at her companions. “If any of the old records are still there, it might shed more light on the connections between the missing kids and the Reaper.”

“Sure, let’s go play ghost hunters,” Tyler quipped, grinning. “Just promise me we won’t end up as the stars of our own horror movie.”

“Very funny,” Icarus muttered, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips despite himself.

As they approached the abandoned TideRoss High, the atmosphere shifted. The building loomed in the twilight, a shadow of its former self, its windows like hollow eyes watching their every move. The overgrown grass crunched beneath their feet, and the rusted gates creaked ominously as they pushed them open.

“Anyone else feel like we should be whistling the theme from *Jaws* right now?” Tyler joked, trying to lighten the mood as they entered the dilapidated structure.

“I’ll take ‘overdramatic remarks’ for 500, Alex,” Icarus shot back, though the corner of his mouth quirked up.

“Come on, lighten up, Icarus! It’s not like we’re walking into a monster’s lair or anything,” Tyler continued, his voice echoing in the empty hallways.

“Keep it down,” Icarus snapped, the sharpness of his tone slicing through Tyler’s humor. “This isn’t a joke. We need to focus.”

Haley rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile at the dynamic between them. “How about we split up and meet back in half an hour? We can cover more ground that way.”

“I’ll take the basement,” Tyler said with a flourish. “I hear that’s where all the best horror movie jump scares happen.”

“I’ll check the library,” Haley suggested. “That’s where they’d keep the records, right?”

“And I’ll patrol the hallways,” Icarus said, his voice firm. “Just be careful. If you hear anything unusual, call out.”

“Sure thing, Captain Serious,” Tyler teased, nudging Icarus lightly. “Try not to scare off any ghosts before we get a chance to meet them!”

“Focus, Tyler!” Icarus said, losing his patience. “This is serious!”

“Whoa, easy there, big guy,” Tyler replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just trying to keep the morale up. No need to lose your head.”

Haley watched the exchange, a mix of amusement and concern on her face. “Alright, let’s just do this. We’ll meet back here in thirty minutes.”

They split up, the sound of Tyler’s playful banter fading as he descended into the basement. Haley made her way to the library, the floorboards creaking under her weight as she pushed open the heavy door.

The library was shrouded in dust and shadows, the scent of mold hanging thick in the air. Shelves filled with forgotten books lined the walls, their spines cracked and faded. Haley ran her fingers along the spines, searching for anything that might reveal the truth.

Just as she pulled out an old yearbook, the air shifted around her, growing heavy and charged. A sudden chill swept through the room, causing her to shiver involuntarily.