SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)

Chapter 9: The Silent Menace

Chapter 9: The Silent Menace

December 15, 2024. The air was crisp, the sky overcast with a hint of the coming winter. The Bellweathers had settled into a peaceful routine, their home now filled with laughter and a sense of normalcy that had been absent for so long. In the backyard, they spent the morning fishing by the small lake that shimmered behind their house.

Sol sat beside her father, William, who was quietly casting his line into the water. "Dad," Sol began, her voice soft, "it’s been a month, and Jane still hasn’t told us what happened to her."

William sighed, glancing at Sol with concern. "I’ve noticed that too, but your mother’s right. She’s been through something unimaginable, trapped in that other world, surrounded by monsters. It’s not easy to heal from that—mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually."

Susan, who had been listening nearby, nodded in agreement. "Jane needs time. We can’t rush her."

Sol agreed, but the conversation shifted when William mentioned the topic of school. "You know," he said, trying to lighten the mood, "you’ll be starting school soon. I think it’s time we enroll Jane too."

Sol’s eyes lit up with excitement, though she was a bit taken aback. "Really? When do we start?"

William smiled, "In two days. We’ll go shopping for supplies tomorrow."

The thought of returning to school brought a sense of normalcy that they all craved. Susan chimed in, "It’ll be good for her to continue her education. And you’ll all have each other for support."

Just as the conversation turned more relaxed, Riley and his brother Harrison arrived at the Bellweather house. William welcomed them warmly and introduced Jane to the newcomers.

"Glad you’re safe," Riley said, shaking Jane’s hand.

"Thank you," Jane replied, her voice steady but carrying a hint of the turmoil she still harbored inside.

Susan called everyone in for lunch, and they all gathered around the long dining table. The aroma of Susan’s cooking filled the room, and the sight of the delicious spread had everyone mesmerized.

As they ate, William brought up the topic of school again. Penelope and Peter were surprised when they learned they’d be back in school in just two days.

"School again, just like that?" Penelope exclaimed, her usual sassy attitude kicking in. She rattled off a string of complaints, making Peter flick her forehead playfully.

Susan smiled, "We’ll buy your supplies tomorrow, and then you’ll need to enroll. Make sure you take Jane with you three."

Riley, always eager to be part of the group, asked, "Mind if I tag along? I need to enroll too."

Penelope, not missing a beat, asked in a flirtatious tone, "What course are you taking?"

Peter cringed at his sister’s boldness, while Riley answered with a grin, "Computer Science. I’m starting my first year of college."

Penelope leaned back, clearly impressed. "Nice choice. I’m going into my second year, majoring in Physical Education."

Riley looked even more amused. "You’ll keep us all in shape then."

Peter chimed in, "I’m in my third year, studying Nursing."

Penelope couldn’t resist teasing Peter, "Taking care of us, huh?"

Peter shot back, "Better than getting us all sweaty in gym class."

Before their banter could escalate, William stepped in to calm them down, "Alright, enough, you two."

Harrison, who had been quietly listening, turned to Sol. "What about you, Sol? What are you going to study?"

Sol hesitated for a moment, then announced, "I’m going to pursue Criminology."

The room fell silent, everyone staring at Sol in surprise. Peter was the first to speak, cracking a joke, "You’ve got powers, sis! What more do you need?"

Sol looked at him seriously. "It’s not just about powers, Peter. I want to know how to defend myself and others, with or without them."

William nodded in approval, "And Max, you need to continue your schooling too. You should be starting your second year this semester."

Max, who had been quietly eating, looked up, surprised and pleased. "I’d like that. I’m thinking of taking Criminology as well."

As they discussed their plans, the door suddenly rang out with a loud, insistent knock. Sol went to answer it, her heart pounding with a sense of foreboding. When she opened the door, she gasped, horrified by what she saw.

It was a package—inside were pictures of Theodore and his family. They were lifeless, their bodies twisted in unnatural positions. The brutality of the images was undeniable, and Sol’s hands trembled as she brought them into the house, showing them to the others.

Jane looked at the photos, her face pale. "Lilith," she whispered, "She’s getting aggressive. And deadly."

The room fell silent, the earlier warmth and laughter evaporating as the cold reality of their situation set in. This was just the beginning, and they all knew it.

End of Chapter 9, Book 2