1. Chapter 1 The Awakening

Chapter 1: The Awakening

ALEXEI

the next evening.

The bar comes into view, its neon sign flickering slightly. I push the door open, and the familiar hum of conversation and clinking glasses greets me. The place is packed tonight, filled with the usual mix of locals and newcomers. I scan the room, my senses sharp, always on alert.

An informant dropped a lead about a man trading illegal, deadly drugs in the corner of the club, and that's what I am here to check out. Tonight, I look nothing like a mayor. I'm just another random man about to enjoy the night. It's the perfect disguise to complete my investigation without being asked for a warrant or getting thrown out.

I spot a commotion near the back. A couple of rough-looking men cornered a woman, their intentions clear. I stride over, my presence immediately drawing their attention. I didn't plan on drawing unwanted attention to myself tonight, but I also can't stand by and let those miscreants bully this poor woman.

"Is there a problem here?" I ask, my voice calm but commanding.

The men turn to me, sneers on their faces. "None of your business, man," one of them says. They have no idea I'm the mayor, which gives me an edge. They are human, based on their mundane scents, but I'm unsure about the woman since their scent masks hers. It should be easy to take them down in a short fight.

I smile, but it's cold, calculated. "I think it is. Leave her alone."

The men hesitate, sensing the danger. One of them steps forward, trying to assert dominance. "And if we don't?"

I move faster than their eyes can follow, grabbing his wrist and twisting it behind his back. He yelps in pain. "You don't want to find out," I say, showing a hint of my true nature in my eyes.

They back off, muttering curses under their breath. The woman looks at me, relief and gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you," she says softly.

"Are you alright?" I ask her, releasing the man and watching as he scurries away with his friend.

"Yes, thanks to you," she says, straightening her jacket. "Can I buy you a drink to show my appreciation?"

I shake my head. "That's not necessary." I just need to find out if the informant is telling the truth, then get the hell out of here. I don't intend to make her feel like she owes me for helping her get away from those men, either.

"Please," she insists. "It's just a drink. Think of it as the start of a new friendship."

I consider for a moment, then nod. It would be wrong to upset her by rejecting her offer, so I accept. "Alright." Maybe if I hang around a little longer, I will meet my target.

We make our way to the bar, and she orders us both a whiskey. I take a seat beside her, observing her closely. She's new here; that much is obvious. I never forget a face so, I know I've never seen her before.

"I'm Alexei," I say, extending my hand.

"Rachel," she replies, shaking it. "I just moved to Harmony Grove. Got in yesterday, actually."

"Welcome," I say, raising my glass. My suspicions were correct about her being new here. "I think you'll enjoy it here."

"I hope so," she says, smiling. "It's a bit different from what I'm used to."

"Where are you from?" I ask, curious.

"Chicago," she replies. "Big city life. I needed a change."

"Harmony Grove is definitely a change," I say, chuckling. "What brought you here?"

She takes a sip of her drink, pondering her answer. "I needed a fresh start. New job, new town. You know how it is."

"I do," I say, nodding. "Harmony Grove has a way of growing on you. It's a special place."

"So I've heard," she says, looking around the bar. "Everyone seems so... close-knit."

"That's one way to put it," I say with a smirk. Pride surges through me at her comments. This is the type of community I love to be associated with. "It's a tight community."

"Must be nice," she says, almost wistfully. "Having a community of people like this," she added after a pause, and I nodded. That is the main goal of Harmony Grove, which is to provide a community where people always feel at home.

"Don't worry; you'll be a part of it sooner than you think. You'll meet amazing people who make it worth it." I reply, thinking of Evelyn. "What do you do, Rachel?"

"I'm a teacher," she says. "I'll be starting at the elementary school next week."

"That's wonderful," I say genuinely. "We need good teachers here."

"Thanks," she says, blushing slightly. "I'm looking forward to it."

The bartender brings us another round, and I glance around the bar again. The usual crowd is here, but there's a sense of ease tonight. I allow myself to relax just a bit. Maybe the informant was wrong about everything.

"So, what do you do?" Rachel asks, breaking the comfortable silence.

"I'm the mayor," I say, watching her reaction. I didn't intend to let that slip, but I did anyway. She would have found out sooner or later.

Her eyes widen slightly. "Really? That's impressive."

"It's a great job," I say with a shrug. "But it keeps me busy."

"I can imagine," she says. "Especially in a town like this."

"Yes, especially here," I agree, thinking of all the secrets I guard.

"Thank you again for stepping in earlier," she says, her expression earnest. "I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't scared them away."

"It's nothing. It is my duty to keep everyone safe here," I say, dismissing it with a wave. "I'm glad I could help."

"Still, I appreciate it," she says, finishing her drink. "I guess I picked the right bar tonight."

I smile. "It seems you did."

She checks her watch and sighs. "I should probably get going. Big day tomorrow."

"Of course," I say, standing up with her. "It was nice meeting you, Rachel."

"You too, Alexei," she says, shaking my hand again. "I'm sure I'll see you around."

"I'm sure you will," I reply, watching as she heads out the door.

I stay a while longer, finishing my drink and observing the crowd. Eventually, I give up waiting for the target and decide to head home. I start walking back to my car. I insert the keys, and in a split second, I feel something hit me hard at the back of my head. I didn't get a chance to react before everything turned pitch dark.

I wake up to darkness. The air is thick with an iron scent, sharp and metallic. I blink, trying to focus. My head pounds with a relentless pulse, and my limbs feel heavy as if weighted down. Slowly, the room stops moving, and everything starts getting clearer. My heart halts as I take in the scene before me.

Bodies. Six bodies.

Older witches from the Luminara Coven lie sprawled on the floor around me, their eyes staring blankly, their throats slashed. Blood pools beneath them, dark and sticky. Panic flares in my chest, a cold, gripping fear that tightens my throat. How did I get here? What happened?

I push myself up, my hands slipping on the slick floor. My clothes are soaked with blood, but I can tell none of it is mine. I look around frantically, trying to piece together the fragments of my memory. Nothing comes. My mind is a blank, a dark void where the previous night's events should be.

I need to think. I need to remember.

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to calm down. I close my eyes, trying to recall any detail, any clue that might explain this nightmare. Flashes of images come to me: laughter, music, a drink at the bar. But then, darkness. A sudden blackout, and then... nothing.

What have I done?

A chill runs down my spine. I can't stay here. I need help. I need Evelyn.

My hands tremble as I fumble for my phone. Thankfully, it's still in my pocket. I dial Evelyn's number, my heart pounding with each ring. She answers on the third ring, her voice groggy with sleep.

"Alexei? What's wrong?" her voice groggy, like I was disrupting her sleep.

"Evelyn," I whisper, my voice shaking. "I need you. Now."

"Where are you?" she asks, immediately alert.

"I... I don't know," I stammer. "I'm in a room with... bodies. Six witches. Luminara Coven. I don't remember anything."

"Oh my God, stay where you are," she says, her voice firm. "Send me your location. Don't move."

The line goes dead, and I drop the phone, my hands still shaking. I look around the room again, my eyes lingering on each lifeless form. These women were influential and respected. And now they're dead.

What could have happened? Did I do this?