Chapter 1 – Rebirth in Shadows
Page 4 (Part 3/5)
The group didn't stop moving until they were two blocks away, the alley long behind them. The quiet streets of Arcadia Oaks looked the same as they always did—warm lights glowing in windows, the faint hum of crickets in the yards. But the four of them carried a different weight now, the knowledge that something unnatural stalked their town.
Jim slowed near a lamppost, rubbing the back of his neck. His shoulders sagged with the strain of what he hadn't said. The Amulet of Daylight pulsed faintly inside his backpack, as though aware of the danger.
Claire was the first to break the silence. "We all saw that, right? That was… it wasn't just me?"
"Nope. Definitely not just you." Toby's laugh was high-pitched and nervous. "Unless we all had a mass hallucination at the exact same time. Which, hey, stranger things have happened… in comic books."
Jim tried to smile at Toby's attempt at humor, but the weight in his chest made it hollow. His friends were in danger, and the only thing standing between them and that troll was the Amulet. But if he revealed it now—if he showed Seraphine—he'd be opening a door he wasn't sure he could ever close.
Seraphine, meanwhile, walked a half-step behind them, her expression thoughtful. She could feel his tension radiating, the tight coil of fear and responsibility wound too tight. Her instincts hummed. There's a secret in you, Jim Lake. Something heavy enough to make you hesitate while monsters breathe down your neck. And whatever it is… I'll find it.
They reached a small park, its benches empty, the swings creaking gently in the night breeze. Jim sat heavily on the edge of a bench, running a hand through his hair. Claire folded her arms, still on edge, while Toby hovered like he wasn't sure whether to sit or keep pacing.
Seraphine took the opportunity, sliding gracefully onto the bench beside Jim. Not too close—never enough to spook him—but near enough to be present, steady, unavoidable.
"You froze back there," she said softly, her voice carrying no judgment. Only observation.
Jim stiffened, eyes darting to her. "I—no, I didn't."
"Yes, you did." Her tone was quiet, calm, the voice of someone who noticed everything but wasn't cruel enough to use it against him. "But that's okay. Anyone would. You were protecting us."
The compliment was deliberate, perfectly timed. His defensiveness melted into shame-tinged silence. Claire watched from a distance, brow furrowed, suspicion flickering again.
Seraphine kept her gaze forward, letting the pause stretch. Her hand toyed idly with the strap of her bag, her posture loose and unthreatening. "You carry a lot," she murmured. "More than you want us to see."
Jim's breath hitched, almost imperceptible.
Her lips curved just slightly. There it is. The crack.
Toby plopped onto the grass nearby, trying to lighten the mood. "Okay, so, giant glowing-eyed rock monster—what's the official plan? Do we call animal control? Ghostbusters? Batman?"
Seraphine's laugh was gentle, easing the tension. "Would they even believe us?"
Claire shot her a sharp look. "So what—you think we just don't tell anyone?"
"I think…" Seraphine let her voice trail, then leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. She gazed at the empty swings as though the night itself might answer. "Sometimes people aren't ready to hear the truth. And when they're not ready, they react badly. They make things worse."
The words weren't for Claire or Toby. They were for Jim.
And it worked. His jaw tightened, guilt flickering in his eyes. She's close, Seraphine thought, her pulse quickening with satisfaction. He's already halfway convinced I understand something no one else does.
The Amulet throbbed once in his bag, and Seraphine noticed. A faint ripple brushed against her power—like a heartbeat wrapped in stone and light. She didn't know what it was yet, but she knew it was important.
Her smile softened, deliberately slow. "You don't have to tell me. Not now. But if you ever want to… I'll listen."
Jim looked at her, startled by the sincerity in her voice. Claire's frown deepened, her suspicion sharpening like a blade. But Seraphine didn't glance her way. She only kept her gaze steady on Jim, calm and patient, until the moment passed.
Later, as they finally dispersed—Toby dragged off by a worried grandmother, Claire hurrying home before curfew—Jim lingered on the sidewalk, his backpack heavy on his shoulders.
Seraphine stood beneath the streetlight, her hair catching the golden glow, her face lit like a beacon. "Be careful, Jim," she said softly.
The words weren't just a warning. They were a promise. A hook.
And as Jim walked away, his thoughts in turmoil, Seraphine let the mask slip just enough to reveal the smirk curling at her lips.
One crack in the wall. That's all I need.