Chapter Six

Thunder rumbled in the distance, and lightning struck the mountain as Evelyn Sat up in her bed, staring out the window. After hearing the news from her parents, she couldn't believe it. Four people had died the previous night while she was asleep. As bad as the town was, death wasn't common, especially if it's not old age. The town ran off of the earth's resources, oak trees were burnt and made into coal for a fire source, the townspeople only ate food within the town with no additives. They were locked off from the dusty industrial world everyone seemed to be fascinated by.   So they lived longer. Unless a disease of the sort comes by, people usually live until they die. Now, four deaths might not be harsh enough but when she heard that they were torn into shreds, her heart skipped a beat. As daunting as death was, it was more frightening how the method was. The townspeople must be in such a panic now, she wanted to go into town and see for herself but her feet couldn't get there. Besides, she wouldn't want to see the fear struck in the people's eyes. Grabbing her rain boots, she yanked a sweater around her body and ran downstairs. Her parents left for town earlier, they always want to be in the know. Gazing up at the sky, grey clouds gathered around—it was about to rain. Leaving the house, Evelynhurried into town. Upon her arrival, she saw a large crowd, fuming, fast, and shouting hysterically.

''Something needs to be done, shall we wait while this monster picks us off one by one !.'' An angry farmer shouted beside her.

''Calm down, we don't know for sure it's a monster.'' Another one countered.

''What kind of animal kills four people one night, their bodies were torn into shreds.''

''Maybe it's not an animal!''

''It is a beast!''

''The end is near!''

 Overwhelmed by the crowd's muddy bashfulness, Evelyn dashed and left the throng. Her feet pound against the pavement as she runs. She didn't know why she went there in the first place, to see so many people in fear. It was stupid

But she was thankful it was no one she knew. Tired, Evelyn stopped to catch her breath and looked up into the sky once again. Dark clouds had surrounded the sky, and it started drizzling. 

  Thunder rumbled and lightning clashed closer to the ground, she began walking again. A tiny drop of water landed on her cheek, a red sizzling line shattered across the sky. She began walking faster, pasting several people that seemed to be locking up or even taking out umbrellas, whereas her umbrella was putting her arms over her head and sprinting like race dogs down the streets. Soon, a downpour started and she saw that there was no shelter in sight but horses and carriages. The water had soaked deep into her clothes and it was getting heavier by the minute. Evelyn Began worrying if she would get a cold.

    A vrooming sound emitted from the side of the road, she looked behind her and suddenly saw a huge carriage coming. She yelped and tried to back up as it passed. But it was too late. A ton of dirty road water hit her like a ton of brick causing her body to splatter against the concrete pavement. In this position, she would be embarrassed if anyone saw her. Luckily, no one did. She doubts anyone would still be in town at this point. The carriage's hoofs slowly descend. Getting up, she brushed off herself, her hair was dripping with dirty road water. She huddled herself on the sidewalk, soon to come to a shelter. It was small and almost leaking. Hugging herself, she choked and sneezed. Some of the water had gotten in her ear and nose; it felt like she was drowning in water and muddy stickiness.

He–hmm.

A small yelp escaped her lips as she sprung around. The tall, dark, and muscular figures stood under the shelter. She realized she wasn't the only one at the bus stop. It was too dark to make out all his features, but she could see that he was a few years older than her and that he was professionally dressed. He must be one of those high-ranking people in society. 

''Sorry.'' She mumbled, feeling as she owed him an apology. The stranger, however, didn't reply. Instead, he scooted an inch further from her. She felt his eyes quickly surveyed her new ensemble. Her eyes immediately fall to her clothes then back at his—but of course, since society now defines a person based on their attire. She moved aside and hugged herself. People like him looked down on simpleton such as herself, they think they are a nuisance to society and making the beloved country worse with their unproductiveness. Just like his royal highness, mayor turd.

But what was he doing here?

 Was he stuck in the rain as well? At least she wasn't alone. 

The rain continued falling heavily as both strangers were stuck under the shelter. From the corners of her eyes, she could see him absently eyeing her. She was so oblivious to the stranger that she didn't see an incoming wave of water passed off by another carriage. When the water hit her a second time, she was flung backward. Evelyn Anticipated meeting with the dirt but somehow, ended up in the wings of the silent stranger. 

The man grunted but, not in disgust. More like disapproval.

''I'm incredibly sorry, sir.'', she was quick to apologize as she tried to force herself out of his grasp. He kept his arms around her, in a hug-like gasp. She awaits his response, to lash out at her for spoiling him with her dirty clothes.''Are you alright?''

His words made her eyes widened in surprise. A man like him was asking her if she was alright. She must be dreaming, and any moment now he would lash out at her. Stunned, all she could do was nod her head, her voice caught in her throat. The stranger smiled as he released her. ''My name is Evan what's yours, young lady?'' He extended a hand for her to take. At this point, Evelyn Was sure she was dreaming. The shock was evident on her face as she stared at the stranger named… Evan. Her inner subconsciousness contemplates whether to shake his hand or not, it would be history even. People of his grand stature don't usually associate themselves with pheasant beings as herself.

''Evelyn.'' She whispered, reaching out and shaking his hand. He hummed, shaking his head. The rest of the time was silent, she often forgot that he was there, but with his scent lingering in the air, it was something she couldn't forget. Even after the rain ended, the gentleman amble bid farewell and went on his merry way. His scent lingered in the air. Like mystery. There are only a few people like him in town, Evelyn Couldn't decide if he was sincere or not. Brushing off her hair, she pipped home. Her parents must be worried about her, with all that's going on in the town. She found it weird that the rain had fallen so heavily in the summer, on the exact date four people were killed. She was, by no means, superstitious. Her beliefs were simple, there is no god—for it was only a word. But there is a deeper force that governs all humans and is unseen to the eye. There must be some logical explanation for everything that happened. 

However, she did believe something was going on in town. Throughout her twenty-two years of living, she had never seen anything like this. And it was probably for the worst.

She grudgingly returned, despite her reality, aiming straight for the shower stalls. Jo hadn't asked her about where she went, thankfully. She didn't feel like speaking to anyone at this point. Whilst in the shower, she thought about what she saw in town. It was barely bodies, it was a snippet of meat, clothes, and bone marrows—it was sickening. 

The warm water beat down on her frail skin then it suddenly stopped. Almost shaking, she reached for a towel and wrapped it around her body, the steam cleaning. The house must be running low on water again.

Later that night, Evelyn jolted awake by the sound of a howl. It sends a

shiver down her body. Glancing up through the blue satin-covered windows, she saw that the moon was once again full. This cannot be a coincidence, she specifically remembered that the moon was also full the last time she heard the sound. 

A thought ran through her mind, maybe an animal is on the loose. Or maybe it's something deeper, the vivid image of the day's events haunted her mind. 

What sort of animal could kill four people?

That too, when they weren't supposed to be out?

People feared to break the rules more than anything else, she doubts anyone in their right mind would be out in the middle of the night. Something was happening, she didn't know about it. Her suspicions rang back to the sudden appearance of the crow. 

What if the myth is real, that the forgotten bird somehow cast a dark shadow on small Burlington?