Chapter 2

I woke several hours later after falling into a restless sleep, I did not have the dream again, however my dreams were filled with feelings of being trapped. The clock on my bedside table read 7am, time to get up even if I didn't feel ready to start the day. I crossed my room, entered the ensuite and turned the shower on, a nice hot shower would help me clear my head and get ready for the day. Normally, by this time, I would be well into my second hour of physical training. As an Arithor, our work demanded not just exceptional mental acuity, but also a profound physical resilience. My daily regimen of combat forms, cardio, and balance drills was as crucial. But I was currently on leave. I figured I could get away with skipping a session.

 

Feeling much more refreshed for a shower I open my laptop, thinking I'll just check my emails before I head down for breakfast and am surprised to find an email from Cyrus with a new assignment. Looks like I should have got up and trained this morning, I think with a smile on my face, opening his email, this is just what I need to take my mind off everything. 

 

Good Morning Arithor Annabelle,

 

I should not be giving you an assignment as you are on compassionate leave but we do not currently have any one else in the area currency and I am concerned that the situation could quickly become dangerous to the family involved. If at any point you feel that you can’t cope or need help, let me know and I’ll assign this case to someone else.

 

Case Type - Potential Haunting. 

Case Prioritisation: Urgent

Contact name - Mr & Mrs Beckett

Contact number 04642 469392

Address:465 West Street, Whiteside WS3 1DF 

 

Details: Family has reported several strange occurrences around the house such as flickering lights, temperature changes, strange noises, doors opening and closing and objects moving. 

 

The majority of the occurrences seem to be focused around the room of the family's daughter Adrianna. The family have reported that Adrianna has become increasingly withdrawn and are worried that she may be under the influence of a malevolent spirit.

 

The family are humans, you will need to keep the existence of the Supernatural World a secret. You will be going in as a paranormal detective working for a local firm called SpectraByte

 

I have attached some newspaper clipping to provide some background, but you might want to ask Sam for some help

Theron is on assignment in Redfall if you need to speak to someone and I am unavailable 

 

Good Luck and stay safe

 

Kind Regards,

 

Cyrus Fellowes

Head of the Arithors

 

Interestingly, we don’t get many haunting assignments, actual "ghosts" �" the sheet-over-the-head, rattling-chains variety �" were almost always misidentified natural phenomena, overactive imaginations, or frankly, old pipes. When they did surface, they were low on the priority list, usually handed off to interns for their first taste of field work. I wonder what it is about this case that has Cyrus worried, maybe there is something in the newspaper clippings that will give me some idea why this assignment could not wait for someone else to be available. There are five articles attached, the first is titled “Police appeal for witnesses to fatal car crash” What the Goddess did this have to do with a haunting? Cyrus was nothing if not thorough and meticulous. He wouldn’t have included this if he didn’t think it was important in some way.

 

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on the road from Murtellum to Whitsite near the junction with the road to Greitown on 14th May at approximately 8pm. A car was traveling towards Whitsite when it left the roadway and collided with a tree

 

The driver and 2 other occupants of the car, whose names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved.

 

Whitsite police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. While the cause is still under investigation, authorities are exploring several possibilities including driver fatigue, speed and mechanical failure

 

"We are working diligently to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to this tragic accident," stated DCI Barbara Smith. "We urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who may have seen the vehicle travelling prior to the incident, to come forward and speak with us."

 

Police are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have dashcam footage or any other recorded evidence that could assist in their investigation.

 

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Police by texting  851226 quoting reference 345. Alternatively contact Haltcrime anonymously on 0619 20 15 16.

 

The road was closed for several hours on 14th May while investigators processed the scene. It has since been reopened.

 

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

 

 

Nope, I am still no wiser. What does a car accident have to do with a potential haunting? I felt the familiar prickle of frustration trace up my spine. This was highly irregular. Cyrus was the bedrock of procedure, the very definition of unshakeable logic, I open the next article in the hopes it might shed some light on what happened that could have caused Cyrus to break protocol.

 

Teen Miraculously Survives Horrific Car Crash

 

A 14-year-old girl is recovering in a local hospital after surviving a devastating car crash that claimed the life of her family father on the 14th May. The single-vehicle accident occurred on the road from Murtellum to Whitsite near the junction with the road to Greitown at approximately 8pm, leaving the small community reeling from the sudden tragedy.

 

According to police reports, the vehicle, driven by Henely, 38 of Whitsite, veered off the road and struck a tree with significant force. While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, authorities have not ruled out factors such as distracted driving, or mechanical failure.

 

Henley along with his wife Cora and son Daxton were pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter, Ashlynn, sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Murtellum Hospital by emergency responders. She is currently listed in stable condition, but faces a long road to recovery.

 

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the accident to contact the Police by texting 851226 quoting reference 345. Alternatively contact Haltcrime anonymously on 0619 20 15 16. The community is holding Ashlynn in their thoughts and prayers as she navigates this incredibly difficult time.

 

How awful for the young girl to lose her family like that, I find my thoughts turning to the loss of my own family. No, I say to myself this job is meant to be taking my mind off my loss. I really can not understand why Cyrus would attach these newspaper articles. My mind races, trying to find the thread that connects these disparate horrors. Is he testing me to see if I’m really ready to come back to work? But that seems unlikely Cyrus has never been cruel before. He has always been patient, compassionate and understanding. It is a large part of why he is so good at his job. There must be a reason, I turn back to my email and pull up the next article.

 

Local Community Mourns Loss after Teenager’s Suicide following Family Tragedy

 

The Whitside community is reeling from a double tragedy after local teenager Ashlynn, took her own life just days after the loss of her entire family in a devastating car crash.

 

Ashlynn, a 14-year-old student at Whitsite High School, was found in her bedroom by her Aunt Trudy. Authorities confirmed the cause of death as suicide.

 

The heart-breaking news comes on the heels of the death of Ashlynn’s parents Cora (36), & Henely (38) and her brother Daxton (9), in a single vehicle incident on the road from Murtellum to Whitsite at about 8pm on the 14th May. The family was well-known and respected in the community with Henely working as a Firefighter and Cora being a Teacher at Whitsite Primary School

 

“This is just unbelievable, they were such a lovely family and Ashlynn was such a bright young girl. We are all just heartbroken for her” said Sarah, a close friend of the family.

 

Whitsite High School released the following statement expressing their condolences and offering support to students and staff. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ashlynn. We are deeply saddened by this loss and are providing grief counselling and support services to our students and staff”

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 577 or txt HOME to 364284 to reach the Crisis Text Line 

 

The words on the monitor swam slightly, not from fatigue, but from the dawning, horrifying clarity they offered. So much of the St James’ family tragedy had been a puzzle, a raw wound of grief that had ended in another, equally devastating one. 

But now, it clicked, the first two articles weren’t just filler, they were context. They painted a picture of the St James’ family �" affluent, well-respected, community pillars. Then the car crash a horrific accident that claimed the lives of Henely and Cora Beckett, and their son, nine-year-old Daxton. The sole survivor: fourteen-year-old Ashlynn. She escaped the crash, a miracle in itself, but a miracle that seemed to be twisted into a curse.

Why? Because six weeks later, Ashlynn St James, a promising art student, a girl who had so much life ahead of her, was found dead in her bedroom, an apparent suicide.

"What could possibly have driven Ashlynn to take her own life?" I muttered, the question hanging heavy in the quiet room. I could understand being consumed by guilt after the death of her family. The survivor's guilt, the weight of being the last one left. But to take her own life when she had so much to live for? It went against everything I understood about grief, however even in the blackest abyss of losing my own parents, the thought of ending it all had never truly taken root. My parents would have wanted me to live. To thrive. Ashlynn’s parents, surely, would have wanted the same for her. Though that was not always the case, there was a time when I had wanted to end it all. Though I could never commit sucide as it goes against the teaching of the Goddess - Life is a gift.

There must be more to her story, something that was not in the paper. The initial reports had painted her as a tragic figure, consumed by sorrow. A malevolent spirit. Could it be Ashlynn herself? Or was it something else, something she knew?

Cyrus might be right about getting Sam involved. He usually was, despite his perpetually cynical, yet strangely perceptive, nature.I open Chat Circle. Sam wasn't online, her avatar a dull grey. I typed a quick message, the keys clicking softly in the silence:

“Hi Sam, have a huge favour to ask of you, have been given a new assignment and might need to use your talents, speak more when I see you later.”

I closed the Chat Circle, feeling a faint tremor of unease. This assignment felt different. Deeper. And infinitely sadder.

I pulled up the next newspaper article, the digital screen casting a pale, spectral glow on my face. Still trying to work out what would drive a young girl to take her own life. I open the next article which hopefully will provide the next piece of the puzzle

 

House of Mishaps: Family Sells Home After String of Unexplained Accidents

After a series of baffling and unsettling accidents, the Miller family has put their home in the quiet suburb of Whitsite up for sale, citing concerns for their safety and well-being. The family, who had lived in the house for just over two years, reported a string of incidents ranging from the bizarre to the downright dangerous, leading them to believe the house was either cursed, plagued by bad luck, or simply jinxed

 

It began subtly. Small kitchen appliances malfunctioning, tripping hazards appearing seemingly out of nowhere, and persistent minor injuries. But the incidents escalated over time.

 

"It started with a few strange noises, easily put down to it being an old house," said Sarah Miller, the mother of two. "Then it got weirder. The vacuum cleaner would turn on by itself, a bookshelf mysteriously collapsed, and one night, a painting fell off the wall and nearly hit my son while he was sleeping."

 

The Millers documented each event, becoming increasingly concerned as the incidents multiplied. A particularly frightening incident involved a gas leak in the kitchen, discovered just moments before Sarah attempted to light the stove. "That was the turning point," said David Miller, Sarah's husband. "We knew we couldn't stay there anymore. We were living in constant fear."

 

Local police investigated several of the more serious incidents, but found no evidence of foul play or structural defects. "We looked into everything," said Officer Michael Davis of the Whitsite Police Department. "But there was nothing concrete. No signs of forced entry, no reason for the gas leak apart from a faulty connection. It was all very strange."

 

Paranormal experts were even consulted, but they were unable to identify any specific cause for the disturbances. One local psychic, who wished to remain anonymous, told this reporter that the house had a "heavy energy" but offered no further explanation.

 

The Millers have since relocated to a neighbouring town and are reportedly settling in well The house is currently unoccupied while the family look for a buyer.

 

Well it looks more and more likely that this might actually be a haunting, I wonder who the paranormal experts that were consulted. There can’t be many paranormal experts locally, definitely none in Whitsite, if there were I would be aware of them. Whitsite is a human town, it’s one of the reasons my parents chose to live here, to keep me apart from the Supernatural Community. They were always terrified someone would find out who they were, who I am and that this would put my life in danger, who would have thought I would be the danger that needed to be worried about. 

 

I stand up, taking a deep breath, this case is going to be difficult without me losing myself in my grief. After a few moments I turn back to my laptop to read the final article.

 

Youths Suspected in Blaze at Abandoned Home, Fire Under Investigation

 

Authorities are investigating a suspicious fire that engulfed the kitchen of an abandoned home on West Street late last night, with initial evidence pointing towards potential arson committed by local youths. Firefighters responded to the scene at approximately 8pm on 18th November, finding the kitchen already heavily involved in flames.

 

"The fire was well underway upon our arrival," stated Fire Chief Robert Strong of the Whitsite Fire Department "Given the condition of the property, and preliminary findings at the scene, we suspect that this fire may have been intentionally set."

 

The house which has been empty since the previous owners moved out has reportedly been a source of concern for residents in the area for some time, with reports of trespassing and vandalism increasing in recent weeks. Neighbours claim to have seen groups of young people loitering around the property.

 

"We've been worried about this place for weeks. Kids are always hanging around there, looking like they're up to no good." said Reece, who lives across the street from the house.

 

While no injuries were reported, the fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen, luckily due to the high ceilings upstairs was spared. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Whitside Fire Department

 

"We are pursuing several leads at this time, including potential involvement of local juveniles," said a Police Spokesperson. "We are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Police at 505-646-623."

 

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging parents to speak with their children about the dangers and consequences of arson. Setting fires, even in abandoned properties, is a serious crime with potentially devastating consequences, including injury, loss of life, and significant property damage.

 

Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist them to come forward. Anonymous tips can be made by contacting Haltcrime anonymously on 0619 20 15 16.

 

It seems this house is definitely a hotspot of activity, though whether it is actually a haunting or not remains to be seen, it appears to be a bit of a local hangout for kids in the area, though I've never heard of anyone hanging out there. I'll ask around when I meet up with the others tonight. Maybe someone else has heard about it.

 

I glance at the clock, 8:30 I'm surprised Millie isn't breaking my door down, especially after last night. I best head down. She'll probably be in the kitchen with a cup of tea waiting for me. I don't know how she does it but she always seems to know when I'm coming. I walk down the hallway to the stairs of our house. My bedroom was at the end of the hallway near Millie's rooms, which my parents had built over the garage so she could be near me when I was younger. I stopped at the top of the stairs and stared at the door to my parents' room. I hadn’t been in them since they died, Millie had gone in to pick out their clothes for the funeral. Even now I couldn’t bring myself to even open the door, let alone go in. We don’t need the room as we have two spare rooms if anyone wants to stay so I don’t see the point in trying to force myself to go in and pack up their belongings.

 

I turn away and walk down the steps at the bottom. I turn right and am faced with my parents study, another room that needs sorting. Millie has said she will do it for me but that seems wrong, so for the moment it sits shut up. Millie is in the main living space, a spacious open plan kitchen, dinner and family room. This is where we spend most of our time. There is a sitting room at the front of the house but it’s hardly ever used. Mum always called it the posh reception room for important guests.

 

“Would you like some tea?” Millie asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

 

“Yes please, that would be great” I reply. Millie doesn’t ask about last night, she knows if I want to talk about it I will but right now that’s the last thing I want to do. Millie had been part of our family since I was a toddler, first as a nanny, then as a housekeeper, and now, after my parents’ deaths, she’s my anchor. The house still held so many ghosts, so many untouched spaces. The parents’ bedroom upstairs, the study downstairs, both sealed tombs of memory. I glanced briefly towards the study door, which was visible from where I sat. It seemed to demand attention, a constant, silent accusation of my inability to move forward. But then my eyes settled on Millie, stirring her own tea, her presence a solid, comforting reality. For now, the untouched rooms could wait. Millie, and the warmth of the kitchen, offered the only solace I truly needed.

 

“Cyrus has emailed me an assignment, they’re short staffed and there is no one else in the area who can look into it”

 

Millie stops what she is doing “are you sure that’s wise, you’re on leave for a reason”

 

“It’s fine Millie and it will give me something to do”, we both know I’m lying but Millie doesn’t push the matter as she sets down a cup of Chamomile and mint tea in front of me.

 

“Ok, do you need me to do anything?”

 

“Not at the moment, I’m still trying to find out as much background as I can, but I will need to meet with the family soon as well as the previous owners.

 

“I’ll check your diary to see if you have anything pressing scheduled and reschedule where possible. Don’t forget you need to go to school tomorrow to hand in your assignments for this week”.

 

“Don’t worry Millie I hadn’t forgotten” I replied, rolling my eyes once she turned away. I took a sip of my tea. I have no idea how she does it but it’s exactly what I need right now.

I looked out the window at the garden, and a sigh escaped my lips without permission. It was, to put it mildly, a disaster. Brambles obscuring what used to be a neat row of hydrangeas. The lawn, if you could still call it that, was a shaggy, untamed beast, dotted with defiant dandelions the size of teacups. I had no idea when the gardener was last here; that was something my parents always organised, I’d never had to think about. 

“I think we need to get someone in to mow the lawn,” I said.

Millie looks up at me then out the window and replies “We could always do it ourselves?”

My head snapped back to her. “Do we even own a lawn mower?” We both looked at each other, and then, inexplicably, burst into laughter. It was a proper, chest-aching, tear-producing laugh, and it felt like a dam breaking.

“Goddess, I have no idea,” Millie gasped, wiping a tear from her eye. “I’ll call the gardener. I think I have the number in case there was a garden related emergency while your parents were away.”

“Garden related emergencies, is that even a thing?” I responded, still smiling. It felt good to laugh with Millie, there had been so little to laugh about recently

“I have no idea,” said Millie, stretching and reaching for her phone, her gaze still fixed on the encroaching wilderness outside. “But you’re right, we definitely need to get someone in before we end up with a jungle for a garden.” looking for the number, already sounding more in charge than I felt. “I’ll get that sorted today.”

And just like that, a small, manageable piece of the overwhelming puzzle seemed to click into place, all thanks to Millie and a ridiculous notion of a garden emergency. For the first time in weeks, the thought of tackling the rest of it didn’t seem quite so impossible.

“Thanks Millie, what would I do without you?”

“Though I’m sure you would cope fine without me, I’m not going anywhere as long as you need me” she replied with a soft smile on her face, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Forever then, because I can’t see a time when I will ever not need you," I responded, giving her a hug, burying my face slightly in her shoulder. The familiar comfort of Millie’s arms felt like a safe harbour.

"Forever it is then," Millie said, returning the hug with a strength that was both comforting and reassuring. It was a promise whispered not just with words, but with the quiet, unwavering presence of someone who understood.

After a few minutes she pulls away, “you need to eat Anna, I’ve made pancakes”

I smile, who doesn’t love pancakes, Millie always has a way of making me feel safe and loved, I really do hope we have forever together.