Chapter 4 Kieran's Estate

All the way to New Raven Hill, Eliana couldn't help the panic and fear she was feeling. The rolling countryside road twisted back and forth. She could see some of the mansion, but it seemed to stretch on forever as she made her way up that seemingly never-ending driveway, the air grew colder, and the trees thickened up.

As dusk descended, the Kieran estate's grand mansion stood majestic, its stone face aglow with the last sips of sunlight.

"At least it is daytime," she mumbled as the phone buzzed.

"Hey Paul" she answered, her voice low.

"Why are you whispering, Eliana? Where are you?" Paul asked.

"At Kieran's estate we spoke about last night." Eliana took a deep breath, as she approached the front door, still on the call with Paul.

"Isn't it dangerous going there alone? From my research about the Kieran's estate, it is the oldest building in New Raven Town"

The door was half-closed, half-open. Eliana walked in not sure what she expected to find or who.

The Kieran's were notorious for keeping to themselves, and Vance Kieran, the last remaining member of the family, was said to live a solitary life. Little was known about him, aside from whispers that he rarely left the estate.

As she pushed the door open, her heart pounded and her steps steadily. She whispered to Paul.

"Paul, I will call you back and fill you in on whatever details I gather. Talk later."

"Be careful Eliana, I need you back in one bit."

She halted just as the phone connection went dead. Her eyes wandered around, as she observed the fireplace, crackling with a warm fire. As she began to wonder if anyone was around, she saw a tall man watching her from the stairs.

Vance Kieran.

He stood with a quiet, almost unsettling intensity about him. High cheekbones and dark, deep-set eyes that seemed like they were peering through her. His ink-black hair was messy with a somewhat gothic, pale complexion; his face angular, his posture one of quiet authority.

A black coat over a full shirt was all he was wearing.

"Who are you?" he said, his voice firm.

Eliana straightened. "My name is Eliana Scott. I'm a journalist looking into the missing girl, Lia Jacob."

Vance for a time said nothing, his stern eyes on her watching her closely. "And you believe you will find what you're after here?"

"I'm only here to ask if you know anything."

Vance stepped down the stairs, and when he reached her, said, "Very well."

The room was big with high windows at either end, and though the fireplace blazed across the room, and the light reflected off the white cement walls, a feeling of cold still managed to seep in.

"Sit," Vance said, as he gestured to the sofa.

Eliana took a seat.

"You've come to ask about Lia, yes?" He said as he stood looking at her from the adjacent end of the room, his voice slow and contained. "Though I really don't know anything?"

With a slight lean, Eliana approached his gaze. "While some people are afraid to say it out loud, people believe her disappearance might be linked here."

Vance glared at the thought that cursed him and gave a bitter expression. "Yes, I've heard that one before.".

Eliana was composed, holding her pen and notebook.

"I'm not surprised if that's what they think."

"I have heard that Lia mentioned seeing someone near your estate just before she went missing."

"Someone?" Vance stared. "In New Raven Town, the Kieran's is frequently accused of being responsible for everything that goes wrong. So, it's your call to believe them or do your findings well."

Eliana was convinced by the way he spoke his words. While he spoke with conviction, his eyes revealed something else, sadness was present in them.

"Why do you think the people of the town are holding the Kieran's accountable?"

"My family has always been strangers.This town thrives on superstition. Our financial status and lack of social interaction made us susceptible to being targets. They assert that we are a curse and resemble slayers."

The question of monsters lingered in Eliana's mind as she asked, "What about the other missing persons?".

"I don't know anything about that. I am aware that people have been disappearing from this town for a sometimes now and My family is always the one to blame but I don't think we are to be blame cause whatever it is we have no idea."

While studying Vance's face, Eliana detected a certain aspect of his character that intrigued her to trust him, even though he seemed unfamiliar and vulnerable.

"I can't help you with the disappearances because I know nothing. Maybe you can try looking elsewhere."

Eliana stood up, realizing the conversation was over. Upon leaving, she felt as though Vilkas was aware of more than just what he was giving her.

I think you know something,' said Mr. Kieran.

"Vance". Vance interrupted. "That's my name. And be careful out there, Miss Scott."

When Eliana departed from the estate, Vance's final words echoed in her mind, as her heart raced.

Shadows danced in the fading light, and her driveway was sprawled out before her. The sound of her phone disturbed her mind, causing it to break away. It was Paul again.

"Eliana!"

"Are you okay? He muttered. "What did you find out?

Eliana replied with ease, "I'm okay. I spoke to Vance Kieran. I believe he knows something and is trying to hide it."

"Did he seem off-guard in your eyes," Paul inquired.

"A bit. There's definitely something going on. Lia's disappearance left him feeling steadfast in his conviction."

"Maybe he's just trying to shield himself."

"Or his family name," Eliana added.

"Maybe."

"There's a sense of mystery surrounding his story, and I wanted to dig further."

"Be careful, Eliana. We are not sure of what you're walking into."

"I will be careful, Paul, and you know when I am on a story I must uncover everything about it."

"Sure, that's why I trusted you enough to send you there, but be careful," Paul said, sounding concerned.

"Alright. I will be sure to uncover the truth."