CHAPTER 2 :

I'm estranged in a dark, deserted railway station with nothing other than my belongings in a VIP. My head is spinning, as I decide what to do next.

I can see some rays of light penetrate through the gray dark atmosphere. The street is closeby — it's a good sign. I take out my phone, as I turn my flashlight on and follow the path of the rays.

Soon, I'm standing infront of the huge road. The roads are quiet, with only some small shops open nearby. Maybe, I can ask the shopkeepers for help. Suddenly, someone taps on my shoulder. I hesitantly look back, to see it's Mark!

My muscles immediately go from tensed to relaxed, as I hug him tight.

"Grey! So good to see you!" He kisses me on my cheek.

"Can't believe that it's been 2 years, Mark. God, I missed you!" I shriek with excitement.

"Yeah, dude. Jamie is there, drinking a beer. Go and meet up with him." I kiss him on the cheek, as I go to meet Jamie.

Jamie and I still behave like the kids from elementary, guess we never grew up from that phase. We've been friends since we started school.

"Daemon!" He runs towards me, as he hugs me tight.

"Jamie Lincoln! It's been a while!" I beam, as Mark joins us both. After a few drinks, it's 9:30 pm already. Shit, we should get going!

"Where is Tristan?" I ask, seemingly troubled by his absence.

"I don't know, but he told he that he was busy with work, so he'd send the driver with his car to pick us up." Mark replies.

Oh, I see. Well, Tristan must be really busy, if he denied to pick us up by himself.

I ask Jamie and Mark to wait, as I walk up to a shop for asking help.

"Sir, can you please tell me the direction of the Blackwood Mansion?" I tell him, expecting a reply.

"Sir, are you new here? And, why are you wandering in the lonely streets at this hour?" He replies, concerned.

"What? It's only 9:30 pm. We used to party till 3 am in Texas!" I am confused. When did 9:30 pm start being called “the dead of the night”?

"Sir, you are new, I get it, that's why you don't know that some dangerous things are out here....at night. It's not safe, sir. Take refuge in some hotel for the night." He requests me. I sense fear in his voice.

"Care to explain what “things” are you talking about, sir?" I try to understand his reason for this sudden concern.

"There have been...umm, many animal attacks...around the town. Sir, please don't stay outside for long now." He hesitates to proceed on the topic further.

"Thank you, sir. Your advice is valuable." I nod as I shake his hand and bid him goodbye.

Soon after, a porsche arrives infront of me and the driver comes out of the car.

"Are you, Daemon Grey, sir?" He asks.

"Yes. The one and only." I wink at him.

He smiles at me, as he opens the door for us three.

"I am sent by my master, Tristan O' Connell. Please get in, gentlemen." We nod our heads, as we get inside the car and shut the door behind us.

"Okay, so how long is this journey going to be?" I break the silence.

"Sir, it is 20 kms away from here, so I assume that it's going to take half an hour or so." He replies, with his eyes on the road. Okay, it's going to be a short drive, then.