Chapter 1 cursed
The park exuded tranquility as dappled sunlight filtered through the lush canopy, casting a warm glow upon the grassy expanse below. The air was alive with the laughter of children, their carefree voices echoing amidst the gentle rustle of leaves. The scent of freshly mown grass mingled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, creating a serene ambiance.
Amidst this idyllic scene, a figure stood ominously in the heart of the park, his presence casting a shadow over its serenity. Zarek, a man cloaked in darkness, watched with a chilling smile curling upon his lips. His jet-black hair framed a face as cold and unforgiving as midnight, his piercing black eyes gleaming with sinister intent. Zarek, a warlock consumed by his twisted desires, scanned the bustling park with an unsettling hunger.
His gaze swept over the playful children and the leisurely strollers, each one oblivious to the lurking danger that lingered just beyond their sight.
Then, amidst the sea of faces, his attention fixated upon a lone figure seated upon a weathered bench. The teenager, with his delicate frame and disheveled, light brown hair, seemed almost fragile against the backdrop of vibrant life around him. His square glasses, held together by strips of tape, spoke of a quiet resilience amidst adversity."Lacey, don't fall," the teenager murmured softly, his voice carrying a tender concern as he glanced up at a small girl darting playfully around a nearby tree. Zarek's gaze bore into the unsuspecting boy, his eyes alight with a sinister gleam as his magic extended like tendrils, probing the very essence of his chosen prey.
With predatory precision, he assessed the boy's age and vitality, a cruel calculation veiled behind a facade of calm. The teenager, oblivious to the malevolent force that scrutinized him, remained engrossed in his book, the summer sun casting a warm halo around his figure.Closing in with a silent grace, Zarek's smile twisted into a grimace of anticipation as he reached the boy's side. His hand, suffused with an otherworldly energy, descended upon the boy's shoulder. Startled, the teenager jerked away, his heart pounding with a mixture of surprise and confusion. Yet, as he scanned his surroundings in bewilderment, Zarek vanished without a trace, leaving only a lingering chill in his wake.
The teenager shrugged off the inexplicable feeling, returning his focus to his book while stealing glances at his younger sibling, Lacey, as she frolicked nearby. Unaware of the dark curse that now branded him as a test subject to a madman, he brushed off the tingling sensation that lingered upon his skin.Meanwhile, Zarek remained concealed within the shadows, his form melding seamlessly with the darkness as he observed his unwitting victim. With a unnerving smirk , he slunk away into the shadows of the setting sun, disappearing from the park.
The tranquility of the scene shattered like glass as the teenager's world descended into chaos. Agony tore through his mind like a storm, his hands clawing at his chest as blood dribbled from his lips. "Lacey," he croaked weakly before succumbing to the overwhelming darkness, his body convulsing before collapsing to the ground in a lifeless heap. His book lay opens on the ground. Lacey's joyful laughter dissolved into a panicked cry as she beheld the tragic sight of her brother. Her desperate cry for help pierced the serene atmosphere, drawing the attention of nearby parents who rushed to her aid, their faces etched with alarm.
Amidst the frenzy, the fallen teenager lay motionless on the ground, his hand clutching at his shirt .As the ambulance wailed into the scene, its urgent sirens slicing through the air, two medics leaped into action, their trained hands moving with precision as they assessed the boy's fragile state. With practiced haste , they loaded him onto the waiting gurney, a silent testament to the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, a uniformed officer approached the shaken group, his authoritative presence a beacon of stability amidst the chaos. "Do you know this kid?" he inquired, his gaze sweeping over Lacey and the distressed parents. "No we just witnessed the little girl running towards him crying," one of the parents said , their voice tinged with concern.
Holding her brother's fallen book to her chest, Lacey trembled as she spoke, her voice barely a whisper amidst the turmoil. "He is my older brother. Is he going too be okay?" she implored, her tear-streaked face looking up at the medic and officer, hoping for good news. However, no answer came as the solemn crew transferred the teenager onto the gurney and wheeled him into the back of the ambulance.
The officer turned his attention to the young girl, his voice a soothing balm in the midst of the chaos . "What's your name?" he asked softly, his tone filled with empathy. "Lacey," came the timid response, her eyes fixated upon her brother's prone form as the doors closed, cutting off her view. And what is your brother's name?" The officer continued, his words bringing her attention back to him. "Rowan," Lacey answered, her voice thick with emotion as she clung to the book, her nails cutting into the paper cover. She looked so small and helpless, standing alone in the aftermath of tragedy. With a nod of understanding, the officer guided Lacey towards his waiting vehicle, his hand a steady anchor in her moment of need. "Do you know your house address?" the officer asked gently, opening the passenger door of his cruiser and helping the distraught Lacey inside. Lacey nodded, her voice trembling as she replied, "Yes, sir." She answered, telling him their address.
The officer responded with an smile and a nod taking a seat on the driver's side of the car. The officer pulls in to a small house as he parks the car. The sun has started to set and the sky is lit with vibrant shades of orange and red, a stark contrast to the sorrowful scene that was at the park."Is this the right house?" he asks, glancing over at Lacey as she stares out the window at her home. "Yes, sir," she responds quietly. The once vibrant energy of the carefree child is gone as the officer exits the car, going around and opening the passenger door, carefully helping her out. At the family's doorstep, the officer rung the doorbell, the shrill sound echoing throughout the house. After a few moments of silence, a woman opened the door, her eyes filled with concern as she gazed upon the unexpected guest at the door. Lacey ran into the waiting arms of her mother, sobbing uncontrollably while clinging tightly to Rowan's book.
As the officer explained the dire circumstances to Mrs. Adams, Lacey continued to sob the noise, making Mr. Adams come to check on what was going on. Their expressions a mix of shock and fear as the officer finishes telling them what has happened. With hearts heavy with dread, Mr. and Mrs. Adams wasted no time in springing into action as they absorbed the devastating news. Hastily, they run off in separate directions to gather their belongings.
Mr. Adams lifts the distraught Lacy into the back seat of the car as her mother packs what they need into the back of the car. A somber silence fell upon the grieving family as the car sped towards the hospital, the passing street lights casting eerie shadows across the tense atmosphere. Each face was etched with concern as their thoughts were focused on Rowan. "Mommy, is he going to be okay?" Lacey inquired, her voice betraying the anxiety she felt. "I hope so, sweetie," Mrs. Adam replied, her own voice laced with a sadness only a mother can feel, tears shining in her hazel eyes as she glanced back at Lacey.
Meanwhile, Mr. Adams remained silent, his hands gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. As they got to the hospital, they rushed in to the emergency room to seek answers about where their son was. "Hello, we are looking for our son. He came in here on an ambulance." Mr. Adams said with urgency in his voice, "What is the name of the patient?" The nurse sitting at the front desk asked, "Rowan Adams." Mrs. Adams responded anxiously while holding Lacey's hand, trying to keep herself and her daughter calm. The nurse typed Rowans name into her computer. "Ah yes, I see the doctor just got down to examine him," the nurse paused. "I will let him know that his family is here; please take a seat, the nurse gestured to the waiting room.