I gently creaked open the wooden door and slipped outside. It had been quite boring inside, so I had decided to explore the small neighborhood just beyond the lake which was attached to the mansion by a small bridge. I know I should have gone back home to Aunt Silka, but alas!I did not know the way. I couldnt risk getting lost again.

So, I trotted on the bridge and crossed. It was early afternoon, with the sun in the left of the sky, ready to set in a few hours. A stone path lead to old fashioned Inns and houses. A water fountain sat at the centre, taking the shape of a goose with spread wings, sprouting water out of its mouth. However, it looked deserted, with nothing but the splash of water and the rustle of leaves to accompany me.

I getly began to get closer, and saw a yellow police line saying: "Crime scene. Do not cross." Repeatedly in bright, white letters. It looked worn out, as if untouched for months. I, curious, crouched down low and went under the police line. There it was: A small boy, sprawled out in strange angles. I began to feel sick, and turned my attention elsewhere. But suddenly, something began pulling at my dress. I jumped, quite startled.

It was a little girl, with blond hair and grey eyes. She wore a torn, worn out blue dress, her thin hands clutching the hem of my skirt.

"Excuse me, miss...but what are you doing here?" She stared at me with big, hopeful eyes, and I gently pat her head.

"Well, I was just looking around. W-what happened to him?" I pointed to the boy, unmoving on the cold, hard ground. The girl tilted her head slightly, glancing over to him.

"John? He was-" A brown-haired women harshly pulled the girl away from me and hid her behind her pink dress in a protective manner.

"Who are you!" She hissed, growling at me violently. I swallowed and held up my hands.

"I'm just a passerby, ma'am. I mean you no harm." She loosened up slightly, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Well, girl. You see that big mansion o'er there? Those people killed lil' Johney. They are monsters, I tell ya. Monsters. Ain't no mercy for anyone. Lil' Johney was just playin' o'er there and he accidentally stepped over to their piece o' land an' they kill him right off the bat. Without even batting an eye." My eyes widened at this, and I swallowed hard. She couldnt surely mean...Max and Jace, right..?

"O-oh. Then where..."

"Anyone else they fled this place. Can't blame 'em, honestly. But we be poor so we have to stay, ya know," She shook her head and heaved a sigh. "Well, do come in. We have tea an' cookies." I smiled gently, and nodded.

"Alright. Thank you." I took another glanced around the deserted town, with the wind howling, and stepped inside with the duo.