Chapter 5 The Symbol

"Who is Vance Kieran and what was he trying to warn her about?". Eliana pondered, on her way back to the inn. After minutes of feeling uneasy, she turned her car to head towards the local library.

As she entered the library, Eliana found her way to the history section, where she came across books, newspapers, and journals about the Kieran family. With the goal of discovering more about the family, she collected dusty volumes from the shelves.

She began her research by examining the Kieran family's past, ancient genealogical records, land ownership certificates, and journals. The town of New Raven had been associated with the name Kieran for as long as 'Marcus Kieran', the patriarch who built the Kieran's Estate.

"Marcus Kieran." Eliana called out the name. "Who are you?"

She was looking at the book in front of her. When she noticed that a few pages were torn. The Kieran family information was removed by someone.

Eliana excused the Librarian, "A few pages from this book are missing?" she said.

She saw the librarian's face flicker. "We have had a few instances of vandalism, sorry."

"Vandalism?"

"Are you looking for books that focus on the Kieran family?

"Yes"

"The Kieran family has been a topic of discussion in town and certain people think they were involved in numerous shadowy activities. It's possible that someone might wish to conceal the truth."

"Do you believe that someone is intentionally trying to erase their history?"

"It was a theory," said the librarian.

Eliana took a photo of some pages and left, as she wasn't satisfied with the information she had gotten.

Her thoughts were filled with questions as she departed from the library. What kind of person would want to keep the Kieran family's secrets under wraps? What was this secret? It appears that she was pondering these questions while also reflecting on Vance.

His cold behavior during their first meeting left Eliana feeling uneasy and disconnected from her work.

Eliana, on the next day, decided to pay Vance a visit the second time. Dark clouds enveloped the sky, threatening to bring down rain. A chilly breeze carried the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves among the trees, gently winding them.

She approached the front door, but it was closed and there were no sounds inside. Still, she wasn't discouraged. Her forceful knock caused the sound to travel through the silence.

The door opened after a prolonged period, and there was Vance.

Vance stood, surprised. Even though he was wearing only a gray sweater and jeans, there was still an aura of sophistication about him, as if his surroundings were from the eighties.

With a soft voice, he whispered "Eliana?"

"I came back because i have more questions." Her tone determined.

"Vance opened the door wide, for her to come in. "From my perspective, you are the type that won't stop until you have all the answers."

"No, I don't quit."

Vance smiled.

They both moved towards the sitting room, as they both sat.

"Do you usually open your door to strangers like this? Eliana asked

"Depends on whom the surprise guest is"

"i see," Eliana smirked, "so Mr. Vance, are you okay with me returning?"

"Not sure. It is only that you have shown great perseverance, which I admire."

Eliana's heart raced at his words. The way his tone was flirtatious, there must have been more to it than just that. It was unexpected for her to be subjected to a lot of attention, especially in the middle of an investigation.

Trying to keep her voice steady, Eliana replied: "I don't think you like people that much."

It's true, but I find you interesting."

Vance leaned back in his chair. "Have had people come here for answers? They come to this place with a strong sense of fear and superstition, convinced that they are already knowledgeable about the truth. But you're different."

"How so?"

Vance chimed in quietly, "I don't know, but there's something about you."

"Why do you stay alone? Are you the only Kieran in this town?"

Vance's smile faded. Before speaking again, he gazed into the fire and then looked away. "Why are you asking?"

"Because I wanted to know."

"Dead."

"What do you mean dead?"

"My family are all dead."

"How did it happen?"

"I don't think that's what you came for." Vance interrupted with his firm voice.

Vance glanced at Eliana once more, with a dark and intense expression. As he read her mind, "I have no clue about the girl's disappearance or any other."

"No clue?" Despite her rapid pulse, Eliana maintained her position. "I'm still curious and hoping for some information."

"i don't think you should. Too much knowledge is not advisable."

Eliana was shivered by Vance's warning, but her determination only intensified. "I understand your concern, although I must still be informed about the events unfolding in New Raven Town."

Vance scrutinized her.

"Seen a werewolf around here before?" Eliana asked.

"Werewolf? What do you know about werewolves?"

"Lia saw one before she died, and I believe she might have been killed by one."

"That's impossible." Vance stared.

Eliana started back at Vance. After a short pause, asked.

"What secret is your family trying to hide? I was at the library but a journal containing your family's history, seems to be torn at some pages,"

Vance continued staring at Eliana.

"What is it about your family that needs to be hidden?"

"Whatever that is, I don't think it means anything. Except..." Vance paused.

"Except?" Eliana asked.

"Don't try to know too much before you get in danger."

"Then help me," Eliana urged.

"No, I don't desire to do that."

Eliana felt disappointed while leaving Kieran's Estate. She wasn't going anywhere, with the case. She felt Vance was concealing a secret.

As Eliana drove through the stormy night, the wind howled around her. She was determined to uncover the town's secret and whatever secret was there. As she passed by an old abandoned church, she felt some strange force coming from the church. She stopped the car.

As she walked to the church, a hand held her back while she tried to open the door.

"What are you doing here?"

"Vance?," She whispered.

"You shouldn't be here?". Vance said as he frowned.

"There's something strange about this building. And what are you doing here too?

Vance gazed at her with a frown on his face.

"Leave here"

"No, I need to see what's going on inside." Eliana stood her ground.

"Then, just follow me quietly."

They moved with caution, their footsteps echoing in the background.

As they steadily walked in, Eliana pointed to a symbol. "What is that?" she asked, as she remembered appearing in one of the books at the library.

"Werewolf's symbol."

"So you mean, the werewolf stories are true?"

As Eliana snapped the symbol on her phone, Vance glanced at the surrounding shadows.

"We need to leave."

As they tried to leave, a figure glanced at them.

"Intruders," the figure shouted.

Vance shouted at Eliana to run. They both ran towards the entrance, Eliana's heart beating fast as she could hear footsteps and growling.

They burst out of the door and rushed towards the car, Eliana's adrenaline running high. She scampered with the keys, as they both hurried into the car. Vance looked back at the side mirror to see that the figures were moving quickly.

"Go, go, go!" Vance urged.

The engine started, with her tires squeaking, and she sped away from the church. As the figures disappeared, Eliana's heart raced with fear. "What was that?"

With a calm voice, Vance replied, "I will have to find out."

As they drove into the night, fear seemed to have gripped Eliana, but then she could feel that something was going on. Something dark.

Eliana's pulse picked up immediately as she heard a low growl from the woods along the road. "What is that?".

Stay alert, Vance warned.