Chapter 1

"Authorities and various specialists are baffled by what appears to be a freak storm which seems to have raged silently throughout the night leaving residents baffled by the quiet and in shock due to the destruction left behind." A pretty young newscaster, in a plum knee-length dress and tan overcoat, is reporting on the damages of the once pristine looking town.

The town residents all move around dazedly, with some needing to be assisted to nearby park benches-mostly those which had previously been bolted down.

Schools, all closed to help the town recover, silent for the first time since the summer holidays looked untouched by the storm, except perhaps the leaves and branches strewn across the shamrock coloured grass as well as the pieces of paper and other trash.

Spotless.

The only thing that could be said about the high school- the only one in the town, making no small amount of misery to the students.

There seemed to be no sign or hint that the destructive winds had wrecked havoc on or close to the buildings or the grounds. The superstitious elderly residents whispered or shouted depending on their paranoia, prophesying that dark times were ahead. They were told the towns' legends by their parents or grandparents, and in the case of old Mrs. Smart great grandparent; however they failed to impart the legends or make them worth considering in the younger generations.

In this era of technology and advancements, the legends became referred to as an old wives tale made to scare children into behaving or as the scary campfire story told by friends hoping for a good reaction.

As everyone is picking up stray rubbish, the toddlers trying to be helpful but making more of a mess than helping, but looking adorable; making those nearby smile or laugh at the 'helpful' children bringing some joy to the daunting work. Slowly as they worked those nearer to the town entrance would pause, stare intently down the road before shaking their head, and going back to work. Eventually, they became slower, a sound started getting louder and those farther away also stopped to stare.

The unmistakable song of an engine approaching caused a faint stirring, as a person is tearing through the asphalt at a speed that would cause a stroke or a heart attack if applied by the heart.

The driver was wearing protective clothing as he or she- the helmet preventing those with better eyesight very little in regards to detail. The person slows down the closer they get, then stops.

The man, as evidenced by the muscles framed by the clothes, steps off, kicking the stand as he does so. Indicating a certain amount of practice, as he takes off his helmet, to reveal a pale, handsome face. There are some gasps which are as loud as shouts in the silence that has spread around.

He possesses a strong jawline with high cheekbones, with dark eyes set into a pale face and coral lips. He stretches his back, placing hands akimbo as he pulled his upper back backwards and used his hands to push his lower forwards, creating several audible "cracks". His face relaxes as he looks around the town, his dark hair absorbing the light around it like a void.

He gives a polite smile, teeth not peaking out, and asks for locations to the recently bought house close to the edge of town. The small home that is surrounded by a magical garden. The previous occupants had grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers in their garden; and neglect of the garden by realtors has given it a wild, magical look. Getting his directions, he places his helmet on, and sliding back onto his vehicle slowly weaves astound the debris. Once he disappears there is murmuring across the townsfolk.

"Dark times are ahead, mark my words" Old man Wickes mutters as he hobbles through. Arms laden with branches from various trees.

"That boy'll bring trouble and the wrath of God on us good folk."

As he speaks a cold wind moves through the crowd, carrying the sound of his voice to all who are near, causing goose bumps to appear on exposed arms. Work continues on that sombre note as they finish quickly to avoid the cold wind, hoping that they will not have another storm that night.