Settling In

Melinda turned to Caroline, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know, I think we've had enough excitement for one day. What do you say we find some accommodations and settle in for the night?"

Caroline nodded, looking relieved. "That sounds like a great idea, Melinda. I'm exhausted."

Melinda smirked. "Aww, come on, Caroline. You're not going to let a little thing like exhaustion get in the way of our fun, are you?"

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Melinda, sometimes I don't know how you're still alive."

Melinda chuckled, leading Caroline out of the bar and into the cool night air. "That's what makes life interesting, my dear."

They walked through the winding streets of Middlesburg, taking in the sights and sounds of the town. Melinda pointed out various landmarks and shops, regaling Caroline with stories of her own adventures in the town.

As they walked, they came across a small, cozy-looking inn. Melinda pushed open the creaky door, her eyes scanning the dimly lit interior of the inn. The sign above the door had read "The Raven's Rest", and Melinda had hoped for something a bit more... luxurious.

But as she stepped inside, she was greeted by a musty smell and a decor that seemed to be stuck in the Middle Ages."Charming," Melinda muttered, her eyes rolling in exasperation.

Caroline followed her in, looking around with a more optimistic expression. "It's not so bad, Melinda. It's got character."

Melinda snorted. "Character? It's got fleas, Caroline."

The innkeeper, a plump woman with a friendly smile, bustled out from behind the counter. "Welcome, welcome! I'm Mrs. Jenkins. How can I help you ladies tonight?"

Melinda raised an eyebrow. "You can start by giving us a room with a decent bed and a shower that doesn't look like it was installed by a medieval plumber."

Mrs. Jenkins' smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly. "Ah, yes, of course. Let me show you to your room."

As they followed Mrs. Jenkins up the creaky stairs, Melinda couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. This was not exactly the luxurious accommodations she was used to.

Mrs. Jenkins, smiled brightly. "Well, here we are! Your room, ladies."

Melinda turned to see a small, cozy room with a comfortable-looking bed and a bathroom that, thankfully, looked like it had been installed in the last century.

"Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins," Melinda said, forcing a smile onto her face.

As they settled into their room, Melinda flopped down onto the bed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Finally, a decent bed."

Caroline smiled, unpacking her bag. "I know, right? I'm exhausted."

Melinda nodded, watching as Caroline efficiently organized their belongings. "You're so tidy, Caroline. I'm a little jealous."

Caroline laughed. "Someone has to keep you organized, Melinda."

Melinda smiled, settling into the comfortable chair by the window.

"Melinda, I have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be very interesting."

Melinda grinned, snuggling under the blankets. "You have no idea, Caroline. Middlesburg is full of surprises."

As they chatted, Mrs. Jenkins returned with a tray laden with steaming cups of tea and a plate of delicious-looking pastries.

"Here we are, dears," Mrs. Jenkins said, setting the tray down.

"Finally," Melinda said, digging in. "I'm starving. I was starting to think we'd have to survive on our wit alone."

Mrs. Jenkins chuckled. "I'm glad you're excited, dear."

As Mrs. Jenkins bustled off, Melinda and Caroline settled in to enjoy their tea and pastries. Melinda made a face at the inn's decor.

"Ugh, this place is so...quaint," Melinda said, rolling her eyes. "I mean, who thought floral wallpaper was a good idea?"

Caroline laughed. "You're such a city girl."

Melinda shrugged. "Hey, someone's got to keep things real around here. And by 'real', I mean 'not completely boring'."

Caroline smiled. "You're just mad because there's no Wi-Fi."

Melinda snorted. "That's just the tip of the iceberg. I'm mad because there's no decent coffee, no TV, and no phone signal. It's like we're stuck in the Stone Age."

As they finished their tea, Melinda smirked at Caroline. "Thanks for putting up with me, Caroline. I know I'm not exactly the easiest person to be around."

Caroline smiled back. "Anytime, Melinda. You're worth it."

Melinda's expression softened for a moment, but she quickly covered it up with her usual sass.

"Whatever. Just don't expect me to start singing 'Kumbaya' around the campfire or anything."

Caroline laughed. "I wouldn't dream of it."

As they settled in for the night, Melinda felt a sense of relaxation wash over her. She leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes.

"Hey, Caroline?" she said, her voice sleepy.

"Yeah?" Caroline replied.

"Thanks again for coming with me. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Caroline smiled. "You'll never have to find out, Melinda. I'm here for you, no matter what."

Melinda's heart swelled with emotion, but she didn't say anything else. She just nodded, feeling grateful for her friend.

Caroline suddenly sat up and whispered, "Melinda, I think I heard a knock at the door."

Melinda's piercing gaze swept the room, her eyes gleaming in the dim light. "What time is it?" she asked, her voice firm and commanding, with a hint of impatience.

Caroline glanced at her watch. "It's 2:47 AM."

Melinda threw off the covers. "I'll go check it out."

As Melinda approached the door, the knocking grew louder. She hesitated for a moment, then slowly turned the handle and opened the door.

As Melinda opened the door, she was met with an eerie silence. The hallway was dimly lit, and the shadows seemed to twist and writhe on the walls.

She looked down at the floor, expecting to see another note or some kind of sign. But instead, she saw a small, antique music box. It was beautifully crafted, with intricate patterns and symbols etched into its surface.

As she picked it up, the music box suddenly sprang to life, playing a haunting melody that sent shivers down Melinda's spine.

Caroline appeared beside her, rubbing her eyes. "What's going on?"

Melinda held out the music box, her eyes wide with wonder. "I found this on the floor."

Caroline's eyes widened as she listened to the melody. "It's beautiful...but also kind of creepy."

As they stood there, frozen in awe, the music box suddenly stopped playing. The silence was oppressive, and Melinda felt a chill run down her spine.

And then, a low, whispery voice spoke, seeming to come from all around them:

"Get out while you still can. While you still remember who you are."

Melinda raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping the empty hallway. "Wow, creepy whispery voice. How original."

Caroline shot her a nervous glance. "Melinda, maybe we should—"

Melinda waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, please. I've seen scarier things in a kindergarten playground. Let's go to bed."

Caroline hesitated, but Melinda was already turning back into the room. "Fine, but if we get possessed by demons or something, I'm blaming you."

With a snort, Melinda collapsed into the bed. "Caroline, you're such a drama queen. Remember that I'm a vampire? Hell and back are places I've gone. literally.

Caroline rolled her eyes, climbing into bed beside Melinda. "You're impossible, Melinda."

Melinda grinned, snuggling under the blankets. "That's why you love me."

As they settled in for the night, Melinda's eyes gleamed with amusement in the darkness. "Sweet dreams, Caroline. May they be demon-free."

The last thing she remembered was Caroline's soft voice, whispering "goodnight" in her ear.

And then, everything went black.