Chapter One: A Silent Witness

The hallway stretched out before Rye Lawson engulfed in an eerie darkness that seemed to seep into his soul. The air was heavy with a malevolent presence as if the atmosphere had been tainted by the horrors within. Numbers, glowing with an unholy light, adorned the walls, marking the doors that concealed unspeakable secrets. Four nineteen, four twenty, four twenty-one. Each number whispered a tale of suffering and despair, their haunting glow a macabre invitation into the depths of madness.With trepidation, Rye pressed on, his heart pounding like a war drum. The silence was deafening, broken only by his footsteps echoing ominously through the corridor. And then, abruptly, a door creaked open, shattering the stillness. His body froze, his breath caught in his throat as he turned towards the source of the disturbance. What he beheld within that room defied all reason and comprehension.A woman shackled to a bed, her body marred by grotesque symbols carved deep into her flesh. Blood, a river of crimson agony, flowed from her wounds, staining the sheets in a grotesque tableau of suffering. Above her, a man stood, wielding a knife that had been perverted from its original purpose. The glint of madness danced in his eyes, oblivious to Rye's presence. But the woman's eyes filled with terror and desperation locked onto Rye's gaze.A scream, raw and primal, tore through the air, carrying with it the weight of unspeakable horrors. It echoed through the desolate hallway, a chilling symphony of pain and despair reverberating in Rye's soul. Waking in a blind haze, Rye fumbled over for his sketchbook and conte pencil and began sketching out the vivid details of a face. Hers. A name was scribbled down beside the face, and it wasn't until then that he snapped into consciousness. Letting out a shuddered breath, he set the book aside as he adjusted his focus on the sunlit room. For a small apartment, it had its perks of being faced in a direction, where the sun could indicate that it was in fact daytime. A crow tapped on the window, sitting perched right in the windowsill outside. It started as a single tap, then turned to several, continuous raps against the glass. It was enough for him to get up and off of the mattress to open the window. "I know, I know...we have work to do," He uttered, watching as the crow flew off. Scrubbing a hand up the side of his face, he glanced up at the clock on the wall.Quarter of nine.Raising his arm, he caught a whiff of the putrid stench emanating from his shirt's armpit. Without hesitation, he ripped it off and flung it into a nearby hamper. Walking over to the tote on the floor, he fished out a fresh shirt and hastily pulled it on. After slipping on his shoes, he braced himself for the chilling weather outside. October always brought more sinister tasks - more lives to save from the clutches of occultists and their deranged followers.The number of missing people was skyrocketing, and he struggled to keep up with the increasing demand for his help. Running his fingers through his unkempt hair, he zipped up his bomber jacket and left the apartment. As he locked the door behind him, he strode down the hallway with a steely gaze, ignoring the curious glances of his neighbors. The coffee shop was just a few blocks away, and he scanned the streets for a familiar face. Even though she wasn't in sight as he neared the shop, he knew he had to remain vigilant and keep her image etched in his mind.It wasn't until he heard a throat clear that he realized he was standing in front of the barista, causing him to snap out of it. "Oh, sorry," He greeted with a small smile."Usual?" The man asked with an amused chuckle. "Or double usual?" He teased, pausing before adding, "I'll throw an extra shot in this time." Tapping the screen, he printed off the label to put on the large cup, then broke the change for the bill he was handed.Rye casually shifted to make room for the next customer, plopping down on a lounge chair. The familiar ding of the shop door made him glance up, out of habit. But when he saw the stranger walk in, he was paralyzed. It was her... right there, in the same damn shop. He quickly looked away, trying to figure out his next move.From what he could see, she looked like she hadn't slept in days. Her eyes were half-closed, staring ahead blankly. Yet, she managed to muster up a smile as she approached the barista, who grinned back at her. "Let me guess," The barista quipped, "Enough caffeine to kill a fucking elephant?""You know me well," The woman spoke, her voice distinctively soft, as though her words were fluffy, white clouds. "Hot, please? Whipped cream, too.""On it!"From the other end of the cafe, another barista called out, "Rye!"As he abruptly sat up, his body tensed, moving swiftly towards the precious elixir that kept him going. However, an unsettling feeling crept up his back, causing the hairs on his neck to stand on end. The eerie sensation of déjà vu wrapped around him, sending a wave of fear through his heart. Had this disturbing scene unfolded before? His eyes darted to the entrance, where a familiar yet haunting face emerged.Oh, no. Avoiding the man's gaze, he desperately tried to keep a low profile, only to find him nonchalantly leaning against the counter. His trembling hand sought comfort on the cool surface, but in the distance, he noticed her approaching. Overwhelmed with apprehension, he resorted to the only action he could think of. In a discreet movement, he sent her drink tumbling to a cruel fate, spilling its contents onto the dirty floor."Oh, crap, I am so sorry," Rye rushed to apologize, already collecting a handful of napkins from the dispenser to try cleaning up the coffee that had splattered on her clothes.There was a look of defeat in her deep, brown eyes as she leaned down to pick up the now mostly empty cup. "It's fine," She sighed, "I wasn't really looking where I was going.""Nonsense, can I make it up to you?" Rye offered, giving an apologetic smile. In his peripheral vision, the man was already gone, and he felt a sigh of relief leave him. Until the sound of screams were heard nearby, causing the two of them to look in the direction. The nice barista was pouring scalding hot coffee onto his head, causing his skin to bubble and steam. Yet before the girl could see what was happening, Rye put a gentle hand on her back and guided her towards the exit."Look, I really don't think you wanna see any of that," He advised as a small parring knife was whipped in their direction, cutting through his jacket and sticking into his back. "Okay, let's go," He said through his teeth as he held the door open for her.Once the woman noticed the small knife that was sticking from his back, her eyes grew large. She grabbed him by the wrist and began running down the block with him. "What's going on?" She spat, her voice hardening."That wasn't supposed to happen," Rye said, as he reached back and yanked the knife out. Tossing it aside, he looked around until he noticed crows flying down toward them. "But look, you aren't supposed to know why you ran into me," He explained. "You were just supposed to be safe.""Why can't I know?" She slowly asked. Her eyes met with his. "And what would have happened if I didn't run into you?""I can't tell you that, Aubrey." There was a concerned look in his dark eyes, and a crow landed on his shoulder. Glancing at it, he leaned in as if listening, brows knit together momentarily. His eyes darted to her every once in a while, but then a sigh escaped his lips. "You're safe for now...but that was an illusion back in the coffee shop. The fact that we both saw it, means they know you're here.""What do you mean?" She reluctantly uttered."Order of Ash...do you know them?" He asked, locking an intense gaze onto her.He watched as her eyes thoughtfully averted away and darted about. After a long moment of thought-filled silence, she answered, "I heard hushed whispers about it at work, but...I don't know anything about it."Rye's gaze softened as a sigh was expelled, after the crow pecked his head in a way to tell him to ease up. "Cmon then, walk with me," He gently requested, already turning to start walking along the sidewalk.Audrey took one glance over her shoulder, then hung her head and followed. "Are you...a part of it? Of the Order of Ash?"Rye shook his head. "Absolutely not," He answered, in an almost rushed manner. "No, I'm not," He slowly continued. "But they know your face, and don't have your best intentions in mind. It is always with the best intentions that the worst work is done.""But why me? I did nothing but live my life.""And now you can keep living your life," Rye vaguely said as a crow landed on Aubrey's shoulder. "Don't worry about him, he's harmless," He mumbled.Aubrey carefully reached up to give a short-lived skritch to the corvid's head. "But why are they after me? Or is that something I will never know, either?""That, I'm hoping you'll never have to find out," Rye explained as they walked. The cool autumn air was mixing with undertones of warmth, but that was just the sun that was shining down on them. Nothing more, nothing less. "Keep going, they'll help you find your way out of their radar," He said, gesturing to the crows that seemed to be following them."Well...while you're here, who are you? You already know my name," Aubrey asked, the softness returning in her voice, if not only a little shaky.He stopped. It wasn't that no one had ever asked him before, but the fact that she was, made him nearly forget what it was. "It's Rye," He slowly answered."Rye?" The woman shot him a smile. "I think that name suits you."The crow on his shoulder pecked his head, and he uttered, "Yeah, I know. I know..." He paused. "I know a place that can keep you safe.""As long as I stay alive, I'm willing to stay anywhere. Between you and me, I never really had anywhere to go." She frowned and kicked her foot against the pavement. "I'm worried about work, though. What if they find me there?""I suggest calling them and telling them you aren't feeling well. That should buy you a few days," Rye suggested, crossing the street and extending a hand back to keep her near him, which she gratefully complied."Will I be safe then?"Rye went to answer, but cut himself off and instead, fell silent as they turned down a dirt pathway next to the park. The crows had dispersed off ahead, which to him, was a sign that they were safe for the time being. Maybe not for long, but he knew it was enough. Every so often, he glanced over at her within his peripheral vision, just to make sure she was still walking with him. Surely, the silence must have started getting to her, right?It seemed as much when she went to speak again. "So, uh...where exactly are we going?""It's not too far now," Rye reassured as the gentle sound of a brook was heard up ahead. "Just past the stream," He explained. Upon reaching closer proximity, a small cottage came into view, just past the stream. "This is the safest place you'll find," He explained as they approached the brook. Holding a hand out, he helped her get over the many boulders that made a pathway across the water.A couple times, she nearly slipped off from the stones, but she safely made it across with Rye's help. "I trust you. But this is all so much." She smiled and decided to throw in a joke, uttering, "Worst part is that I didn't get to enjoy my coffee.""I would share mine with you, but alas...I lost mine in the process of getting you out of harms way," Rye pointed out as they stepped over the threshold of the small yard. "I do have some fairly good news, though."Aubrey turned to face Rye with a hopeful grin. "Yeah?""I have a small library inside, and there's a full bedroom you can use," Rye explained with a smile as they walked towards the front door. Reaching up to the top of the doorframe, he retrieved a key, which he used to unlock the door. Opening it, he held the door open for Aubrey and walked in afterward, before closing and locking it. "I hope you don't mind, force of habit.""I don't mind," Aubrey reassured with a chuckle. "And that's awesome. If there's anything I love at all, it's reading.""Oh, I uh, meant the door," Rye awkwardly said, flipping the switch on the wall to illuminate the place a little better. The skylight above provided some light from the sun which could come through the trees, but it wasn't much. Upon entry, the main room was an open-concept living room with rows of books along two sides of the walls. To the far left, there was a fire stove that provided warmth when necessary and a stack of wood beside it.Rye turned to the right past the single set of stairs, sliding open a door to get into a small kitchen area. It was as if he had become momentarily stuck in his own head, focusing ahead and onward. "Aubrey...can I get you something to drink? I have an espresso machine in here, maybe I can make you coffee to make up for spilling yours?"With a smile, the woman turned to face Rye. "Actually, that'd be nice," She softly replied.There wasn't a lot of things Rye Lawson could be certain of, at any point in time. As long as he could remember, he felt this layer of unease and uncertainty day to day. But now, the only thing that was creepily taking over his mind, was putting the espresso machine together to make a beautiful girl coffee. While he mindlessly prepared the coffee, he heard gentle footsteps approaching him. The sound was different and he knew she had stepped into the kitchen area, the flooring was no longer carpeted and steps were more easily distinguished."You've found something of interest already?" He guessed, having noticed the book she had cradled in her arms. "Oh, don't worry. As I said, the books are free for you to look at and read if you want."There were sparkles in her eyes as she brought the book closer to her chest. "I appreciate it. This ones from one of my favorite authors. I haven't got the chance to read this one yet." She looked down at the book as she opened it and landed straight on the dedication page. She paused and knitted her brows. After a silent moment of the woman looking back and forth between the page and Rye, she pointed to a particular name and asked. "Does your last name happen to be Quil?""Quil?" He echoed, eyes darting to the book thoughtfully. "Oh, that was my father's last name," He said within a moment of consideration."Well..." She turned the book so the page was facing him. She was still pointing to the name on the page. It was a handwritten note to Rye, and the ink seemed to be faded with time."Oh, that would be why," He said aloud, as a saddened smile made its way to his face. "That was the last thing I received from him...before he died." His gaze fixed on that page, then he reached for the button on the espresso machine to turn it on. Hot coffee soon began to pour out into a small mug, a chocolate color topped with a lighter-colored froth."I'm sorry," Aubrey gently replied, stepping closer with an empathetic frown, "Sounds like he was a great man."Rye nodded. "He was," He paused, "When he wasn't holed up in his room for days," He quietly explained. "That last book, I heard is about something more personal to him. I haven't actually read it yet, but I won't stop you.""If you want, I could tell you about it as I read it," She offered.There was a moment where he fell silent, turning to replace the mug with the next. The steaming espresso mix was dumped into the trash, and he worked on smoothing out the next round of coffee. "Yeah, you can do that," He said reassuringly, drumming his fingers on the counter. "I'm not supposed to ask, but are you sure you aren't somehow involved in the Order?"Aubrey reeled her head back and knitted her brows together. "Why would I be?""That's what I intend on finding out," Rye answered, reaching for tall blue glass. Scooping ice into it, he poured some cream in, then topped it off with the coffee mixture. A glass straw was added to the glass, and he held it out for her. "Let me know if that needs adjusting."Aubrey brought the mug to her lips and took a slow sip of the beverage. The moment it hit her tongue, her eyes bulged from her skull. "This is amazing!"Rye smiled. "I'm glad you like it. My mother had me trained fairly young to make coffee," He admitted as he placed the portafilter back into the machine, waiting as the water cycled through. Once more, the warm liquid spooled out into the fresh mug beneath. "We haven't spoken in a while, but that's for her safety."A frown returned to Aubrey. "Is it because of the Order?"Rye silently nodded. "There are things about them no one ever wants to know, and she knew most of those things," He explained, leaning back against the counter. "But, as I said, this is the safest place you can be staying in. Nothing will get in here.""That's a relief," Aubrey sighed. After taking another sip, she uttered, "I don't know what's even going on, between you and me.""If I can help it, you won't have to," Rye stated as he fixed his drink the same way he prepared hers. "You can leave any time you want to, but I wouldn't suggest going anywhere until tomorrow, at the soonest." He paused. "Before I forget, everything is clean and where you can find it," He explained.Aubrey nodded. "Okay, but...who's to say they won't be after me after I decide to leave?"Rye stared at Aubrey for a long moment. By the expression on his face, there was something weighing heavily on his thoughts. "Can I tell you something, and you swear you won't run out of here?"The woman blinked a few times. "Yeah? What is it?""For the last three weeks, I've seen your face in these...what you would call premonitions. That's how I knew your name and your face," He explained. "Something really awful would have happened to you if I hadn't been there when I was. It's why I spilled your coffee."As expected, Aubrey stared at him as if a second head sprouted between his shoulders. "How?" Was all she could ask.Rye licked his lip in thought, tucking it between his teeth as his gaze averted. "I've had this...ability as long as I can remember. Knowing people will die doesn't make it much easier to have, especially when I can't...""So...I could have..." She trailed off. She had to place her mug down from her new wave of nausea.Rye rushed over to her, assisting her to sit down at the small table. "Yes, you could have, but you didn't. And if I can help it, you won't, ever," He reassured, giving his best attempt at a reassuring smile.Aubrey swallowed hard as she leaned back against the chair. "Were there people you just...couldn't save..?"Rye took in a sharp breath, then exhaled slowly. "Yeah, there have been," He uttered, taking the seat across from her. His gaze fixed on the table, and the longer he seemed to be losing himself in thoughts, the more guilty he appeared."I'm sorry," Aubrey quickly said, "I-I shouldn't have asked."Rye shook his head. "No, it's okay," He reassured. "I take the wins I'm able to. You, and the four hundred kids from that school a few days ago."Aubrey lifted her gaze. "That was you? It was you that saved them?"He nodded. Getting up from the table, he left the kitchen, and the sounds of his footsteps could be heard ascending the stairs. It was several minutes before he returned, sketchbook in his arms. Setting it down in front of her, he sat back down at the table. "It's all in there."There was a pause as Aubrey looked back and forth between the sketchbook and Rye. She reached over to the object and began carefully flipping through the bristol pages. Charcoal images of torture and death covered every single page, with small scribbles of times and names. Her face was on a handful of them and painted the last full page. Beyond hers, was nothing but blank."Was I a recent vision?" She dared to ask as she noticed the many blank pages ahead.Rye nodded. "You were. Normally, I would have gone, but the crows insisted I bring you back here, and they're very persuasive when they want to be.""I wonder why they wanted me here," She uttered, half under her breath, but she hoped Rye would know the answer."To be honest, I'm not really sure," Rye admitted. "But I wouldn't think too much about it," He reassured with a small, but comforting smile. But little did he know, hours later would contradict her sense of safety.While Aubrey peacefully slumbered, Rye stood alone in the dimly lit living room, fixated on the ominous woods that lay before him. From the pitch-black abyss emerged a pair of glowing eyes, their eerie radiance piercing through the darkness. But they were not alone. One by one, additional sets of scarlet orbs materialized, fixating their gaze upon the cabin like vultures closing in on their prey. The shadows slithered closer, encroaching upon the yard, their numbers multiplying until the trees were completely obscured from view. Bound by the protective wards, they remained trapped, unable to advance any further.Yet, Rye knew their patience would wane, and it was only a matter of time before they would break free. But not tonight. Not yet.