2

The town of Brommesville thrived during daylight hours, but as night descended, an eerie tranquility settled over its winding roads. El traversed one such road, its broad expanse welcoming to novice drivers, only to grow narrower and more treacherous near the town's outskirts. Surrounded by swaying grass and occasional patches of dense forest, the road lost itself in darkness, bereft of artificial illumination, relying solely on the moon and stars above. The steep ascent up the looming mountain proved challenging for many, except those familiar with the area. Thankfully, nocturnal drivers were a rarity on this path.

Or at least, they had been in recent months.

Brommesville, El's hometown, boasted a peaceful existence, where friendly faces greeted one another. However, its nightfall had grown muted, devoid of the vibrant energy it once possessed, marred by a series of unsolved murder cases. The shadows of tragedy loomed, casting an ominous pall over the community. If only there was a way to put an end to the darkness...

As El drove farther up the hill, a vista unfolded, granting a glimpse of her house nestled below. Home to her beloved grandmother, Bernie, the house exuded warmth and memories. Bernie, a woman of wisdom, wit, and boundless love for El, held a special place in her heart. However, Bernie's recurring illnesses kept her confined to the house, leaving El with a lingering pang of guilt. She felt the weight of her absence, knowing she hadn't been the devoted granddaughter she should have been. Although aware of her grandmother's isolation, El found little opportunity to change the circumstances. Caught between the demands of school and work, her free time was scarce, often relegated to the late hours of the evening.

In moments like these, El's priorities became clear.

She parked her car near an abandoned building, the empty parking lot offering a desolate backdrop. Exiting the vehicle, a shiver ran through her body as the cool night air enveloped her, a stark contrast to the warmth she had grown accustomed to during the drive.

"Never get too comfortable," a voice echoed in her mind, a reminder from someone she was about to meet.

El walked toward the building, her senses heightened, scanning her surroundings for any signs of a follower. Convinced of her solitude, she cautiously entered the building and ascended an ancient, rusted elevator. Its gate, stubbornly jammed, resisted her efforts to open it. Yet, this obstacle held no sway over El's determination. She calmly pressed her finger against a hidden button outside the elevator.

As if awakened by her touch, the metal gate creaked open, granting her passage. Hesitating for a moment, El hesitated before stepping inside. The lift had never been her favorite, haunted by visions of snapping cables and a swift descent into oblivion.

So far, her fears remained unrealized.

With a hint of relief, she arrived unscathed at her desired floor. Stepping onto a narrow, rail-less path, suspended between the abyss on either side, she walked with measured steps. The void swallowed everything, offering no solace or safety should she falter.

El exhaled slowly, recalling her first crossing of this treacherous path. Eyes tightly shut, she had raced blindly forward, devoid of thought or feeling, relying on courage and innocence. Now, uncertainty plagued her thoughts, making her question whether she possessed the same unwavering bravery.

Navigating the path, sensory lights illuminated her footsteps with each deliberate stride. Finally, she reached a thick metal door, adorned with intricate engravings. She often wondered what would happen if a bulldozer were to attack this door, testing its resilience. Would it buckle under the pressure? Would it creak and yield to the external force? Or would it remain unyielding, cold and unwelcoming?

Would the bulldozer break?

Her hand roamed the door's surface, searching for a peculiar texture. The passcode changed with each encounter, a security measure akin to returning to a different home each time she arrived. Her fingers found the strange texture, and she pressed against it. A creaking crank echoed, and the door slowly ascended, revealing a blinding white light that cast her shadow upon the narrow path behind her. The door opened from the bottom, akin to a garage door unveiling secrets hidden within.

And beyond that threshold lay her destination: The Elite Government Task Force Headquarters.