SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)

Chapter 1: Lost in the Void

  Chapter 1: Lost in the Void

In the heart of Evercrest, the disappearance of Jane Brenner is more than just a missing person's case. It's a puzzle wrapped in shadows and secrets. Jane's sudden vanishing into a twisted version of the world isn't a mere coincidence—it's part of a larger, darker scheme. The woman in the shadows, a figure of malevolence, holds Jane captive in this nightmarish realm, ensuring she never returns to the real world. As Sol Bellweather delves deeper into this mystery, she uncovers the truth behind Jane's disappearance and the sinister forces at play.

On November 6, 2024, Sol was tirelessly searching for Jane Brenner, refusing to give up despite her numerous failed attempts to contact her. William, her father, often urged her to take a break, but Sol was determined. Jane had helped her defeat Tilda, and Sol felt compelled to return the favor. Penelope and Peter, her siblings, supported her quest, asking themselves how Jane ended up in this twisted world and why she couldn't escape. Sol believed this was no coincidence. She had seen Jane fighting someone and losing to a creature.

Determined to find Jane, Sol focused on her vision of the battle. She tried to see if there were any recognizable places. Suddenly, she saw a place full of rocks and a large truck. The name "Ravencroft Mining" came to mind. Her vision ended abruptly, leaving Sol unsure of where this place was. She asked Penelope to call Riley for help. Penelope called Riley, who invited them to his house, promising to show them something interesting.

Sol, Penelope, and Peter arrived at Riley's house, where Harrison greeted them at the door. He welcomed the kids inside, telling them Riley was upstairs. Penelope knocked on Riley's door, and Peter teased her for knowing which room was his. Sol and Peter chuckled softly as Riley opened the door. Penelope hugged him, surprising Riley a bit, while Peter gave Sol a knowing look.

Riley quickly got to the point. "I found something about Jane Brenner. The place she went missing—it matches the place in your vision, Sol." He showed them a picture of the mining site, Ravencroft Mining. Sol's eyes widened in recognition.

Riley continued, "What's more interesting is that they found Jane's shoes there. But why was she in a mining place?"

Peter pondered aloud, "There must be something there she was looking for or someone took her there."

Penelope chimed in sassily, "So, how are we going to get into this place?"

Riley grinned, "We have someone who can help us get in. Max works there."

Sol recalled, "That's right! My dad helped him get a job there. We should start with him."

Using advanced technology, Riley hacked into the mining company's database to find Max's work schedule. They saw he was currently on a shift. With this information, they had a starting point for their rescue mission.

In the dark, twisted version of the real world, Jane Brenner was hiding in a house. She was weak and scared, but determined to escape. Suddenly, a woman emerged from the shadows, her presence sinister and foreboding.

"You will never leave this place," the woman said, her voice dripping with malevolence. "No one can catch you here."

Jane's heart pounded with fear and determination. She knew escaping wouldn't be easy, but she had to find a way out.

"This is the beginning of the end," Jane whispered to herself, steeling her resolve.

(End of Chapter 1, Book 2)