Chapter Text
When you woke up in your cousin’s “vacation house”, you were still shaken up from the previous night's experience. You just couldn’t stop thinking about the monsters in the woods, and the frantic ramblings of sick animals, and how both Gretchen and Duke barely avoided death - or, in Gretchen’s case, a fate worse than death. Then there was Sybil with her mysterious magic and not-so-subtle attempts to make you doubt your cousin, and Tabitha’s story about your family’s sins. It wasn’t easy to force yourself to start your day, but you knew there was a lot to be done.
You took a quick shower, got dressed and decided to head to the kitchen. You hoped you could catch Tabitha before she had to leave for work today.
To your surprise, just as you were going to leave your room, you got a text message from Reese on the group chat with your friends that Stella started all those years ago.
Hi, guys. Stella filled me in on everything that happened yesterday. There’s no way I’m missing out on the mystery that’s going on here. Not to mention that I have to meet you while you’re in town, Alex. I’m feeling pretty okay today. Doc is gonna be furious, but I’m absolutely joining in. Let me know where we’re meeting up.
You frowned. In all of the chaos that was the previous night, you completely didn’t think to consider that one of the carvings Tabby mentioned was somewhere in the clinic, where Reese and his mother were living. Maybe it was the source of his mysterious sickness. Now that you thought about it, it was even possible that dealing with this thing could make Reese finally feel better.
Before you had a chance to respond, you got a message from Stella.
Hell yeah! It’s gonna be just like the good old times, except Alex is here in person now, too. Maybe we can all meet up at the library after breakfast? It's always a good idea to get some more information, and we can think of a game plan together.
You quickly typed your answer.
I had a long talk with Tabitha yesterday. She discovered some completely crazy stuff about our family, and I honestly don't think it's a good idea to talk about any of it in public. I think we should meet up either here or at Stella's to catch up, and then we can go to the library to get more info. I'm just going to ask Tabitha what she thinks before she heads out. I’ll let you know what she said. Just give me a minute.
You put your phone in your fanny bag and headed to the kitchen without waiting for the answer.
As you expected, Tabitha was waiting for you there. It looked like she already ate her breakfast and just wanted to talk with you before going out to work.
Frou-Frou, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen. You were quite sure that she was doing her best to avoid you. Gretchen’s regards would apparently have to wait until a chance appeared.
“Hi, Tabby,” you said, forcing a tired smile. “Did you manage to get some rest after yesterday?”
“Not much,” Tabitha shrugged. She had deep shadows under her eyes and she somehow looked even more annoyed than yesterday. “And I’m already running late for work. I just wanted to set a few things straight before I head out. I assume you want to tell Stella and Kaneeka about the conversation we had yesterday?”
“And Reese,” you clarified. Tabitha rolled her eyes. It didn't look like her dislike for your friend faded over the years.
“I guess he is your friend or something,” she grumbled. “And he lives in the clinic, so maybe he can help with getting to the stone hidden in there. Just be careful not to let anyone else know, and don't mention what I said about Sybil to Kaneeka yet.”
“Yeah, I figured out that much.” You smirked at her. “Actually, we were planning to meet up somewhere private, either here or at Stella’s, to talk about what you told me, and then head to the library for some additional sources. I was going to ask if you have something else in mind.”
“Don't bring this Reese guy here,” Tabitha said immediately. You rolled your eyes, but decided not to argue. “Actually, I don't want anyone else here. It was my secret spot for years. It's a privilege that I even invited you here. But I guess meeting up at Stella's and then going to the library is a solid enough plan. You should visit the mines in the afternoon. I want to start searching for the carvings there. Also, before I go, I think this can be useful for you.” She put an old, torn piece of paper in your hands.
You glanced down at it. It was a hand-drawn map of the town with five spots marked and some hand-written notes. You were pretty sure that the torn off part used to show the sixth marked location, too.
“I found it in the Forbidden Wing of the Estate,” Tabitha explained. “I think it's a good place to start the research. I'm sure we'll have to go there at some point this week anyway, so we might find more clues like that. Now, I'm really late for work already, so if you don't have any more questions, I'll see you in the afternoon. Don’t let Stella drag you into another supernatural mortal danger until I’m there to help, okay?”
“I’ll do my best to save today’s supernatural mortal danger for the afternoon.” You winked at her.
“Great,” Tabitha was trying to sound snarky, but she couldn’t hide her exhaustion. “I’ll see you there.”
Once your cousin was gone, you took out your phone again. To your surprise, it seemed that your friends were all patiently waiting for your report.
Okay, so Tabitha doesn’t want any more guests here, but she’s on board with the rest of the plan. We’re also going to the mines later in the afternoon. I will explain everything once we meet up. Stella, I hope you wouldn’t mind if we all go to your place instead?
You didn’t have to wait for long for Stella’s response.
Of course not! It’s been too long since I had guests. I’ll prepare breakfast for everyone, too, so you don’t have to worry about that. I can’t wait to solve this mystery with y’all!
Your phone buzzed again. This time, it was Kaneeka.
Considering all the stuff Scarlets are doing openly, I’m honestly afraid to think about what they’re actually trying to hide. Anyway, Reese, I can pick you up and we can drive to Stella’s together, if I don’t have to talk to your mom while I’m there.
You didn’t have to wait for Reese’s answer for too long.
It would be appreciated. I can’t wait to get out of this basement, but maybe I shouldn’t overdo it. Thanks so much!
You sent one last message before putting your phone away.
It’s settled, then. See you there, guys!
You looked at the little map Tabitha gave you once again. You couldn’t express how much you wanted to share Stella and Reese’s enthusiasm about solving this supernatural mystery. It would be so much easier if it was just a fun adventure you were going on with your friends.
Unfortunately, you could already feel the pull of the objects marked on the map even from here. You knew they needed you to find them. Even if you and Tabitha could somehow undo the curse without a human sacrifice, you were well aware that it would not be possible without any sacrifice at all.