Pack of Shadows

ing her out of a restless sleep. For a moment, she forgot where she was,the strange bed, the heavy silence, the cool mountain air all felt like the remnan

ched. Despite the unsettling welcome, Ava knew she had to face the day. She had come here to escape, to find peace, and she couldn't let fear chase

d with basic groceries, a courtesy from the real estate agent who had arranged the transfer of the property. She

st thing she had from her, an unexpected gift, hidden away as if waiting for the right moment. Ava hadn't known much about her mother's past, only th

er had written it with great care. The contents were straightforward, details about the house, instructions on how to contact the local lawyer, and

art to feel at home. She grabbed her jacket and the letter, tucking it into her pocket, and headed outside. The crisp morning air greete

dy open, their windows displaying everything from handcrafted goods to fresh produce. Hollow Creek had a timeless quality, as if it had remained untouch

d goods filled the air, and she felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. The interior was cozy, with wooden tab

smile, greeted her from behind the counter. "Good morning.

f her anxiety melt away. "I just

lcome to Hollow Creek, Ava. I'

at the chalkboard menu above the coun

ickly preparing her order. "So, wh

I inherited a house here, from my mother. I

the muffin on a plate. "Your mother, you say? W

replied, watching Mag

yn... Yes, I remember her. She lived here a long time ago, b

urprise and curiosi

in, "but I've heard stories. She was something of a mystery, ev

irling. "I didn't know she ever liv

as a way of holding onto its secrets. But I'm sure

a seat by the window, sipping her coffee as she watched the town slowly come to life outside

might have more information about the house, and perhaps even about her mother's connection to the t

r & Associates.** Ava pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The interior was just a

e reception desk, peering over her glasses as Ava app

Ava said, trying to keep her voic

s. Monroe. We've been expecting you. Please, hav

ticking of an old grandfather clock in the corner. She glanced around, noting the framed photogr

d a tall, thin man with graying hair and a kind smile stepped ou

and, returning his smile.

esk dominated the space. He motioned for Ava to sit in one of the chairs opposite his desk before taking his seat. "I've been handling

n know about this place until after she passed. S

't share much about her life here, even with me. But she did leave instructions regarding the

her curiosity piqu

on the desk in front of Ava, his gaze steady. "This belonged to your mother. She left

he weight of it in her hands. The leather was soft and worn, the pages slightly yellowed w

w Creek is more than just a town, it's a place of secrets, and our family has been part of those secrets for g

le, and Hollow Creek was the key. But as she looked up at Mr. Harper, she couldn't shake the fee