The night was thick with tension, the city lights blurring into streaks of white and amber against the dark. Inside the dimly lit limousine, Edward Ashworth-or the skinwalker that wore his body sat stiffly, his face pale under the flickering glow of the passing streetlights.
The skinwalker's thoughts raced. "We miscalculated. We didn't expect a noble vampire there... Completely changes everything about the plan. What do I tell them?" His fists clenched on his knees, a thin sheen of sweat glistened on his brow
"Are you alright, sir?" the driver, Walter, asked, stealing a glance through the rearview mirror. His voice was casual, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes.
The skinwalker forced a stiff smile, masking the dread brewing beneath. "Yeah, yeah... I'm fine. Just the pressure of it all getting to me."
Walter didn't push further. "Alright sir," he replied, focusing back on the road, though the unease lingered in the tense silence between them.
The car glided through the quiet streets until it reached the Ashworth estate.
The mansion loomed in the darkness, its grand silhouette stark against the moonlit sky. As the skinwalker stepped out, his borrowed face remained composed, mind remained a storm.
"Act normal. Just act normal."
The door swung open before he could knock. Elizabeth Ashworth rushed forward, relief washing over her face.
"Honey, welcome back!" She wrapped her arms around him, pressing a kiss on his cheek. Her warmth felt foreign.
"Why haven't you slept? It's way past midnight," he replied, attempting to mask the unease.
"Obviously because I was worried about you. You took so long. What were they discussing?" Her eyes searched his face. "What's wrong? You look so pale. Did something happen?"
"I need to speak to you privately. Upstairs," he said abruptly, brushing past her.
Elizabeth watched him ascend the stairs, confusion knitting her brow. She turned to Walter, who merely shrugged, equally perplexed. Determined to understand, she followed her husband upstairs.
"Hey, Hun... Was the meeting that bad?" She asked gently.
"It was. We need to leave here with the orb and fast, before they get to us. After attacking the Montgomery and the Valencourt's, it's only a matter of time before they get to us," he said, his eyes darting nervously.
Elizabeth's concern deepened. Edward's sudden desire to flee from the home he swore to live in till his last breath cause it held all the memories he cherished the most. She pushed aside her doubts, considering the potential danger the threat that was coming could pose if he remained selfish.
"Alright then. I'll go get it. You pack all what you need," she said, heading to the mansion's depths. In a sacred room, she retrieved a box that held the orb, it's outside wrapped with seals in order to prevent contact with anyone.
On her way back to the room, bumped into Walter. He stopped her to talk.
"Uhm, sorry, madam Elizabeth, can I have a word with you?" He asked with concern in his eyes.
"Is something wrong, Walter?"
"Will sir Edward be alright? No matter what the situation is, I've never seen him so shaken before." He asked. "He even refused to go for his usual visit. He didn't think twice before brushing it off. He has never done that."
"I noticed his odd behaviour too, but Edward would never skip a visit to our daughter in the hospital." She said with a thoughtful expression. "That's definitely odd." She looked back up at Walter. "Thanks for letting me know. Call the church and ask for Edward, I'll confirm if it's truly him." She said.
"Okey ma'am, but I suggest you return that box for now. I know what you're thinking, and if we're right about it, it'd be dangerous to take it with you." He suggested.
"Thank you Walter. I'll be careful," she said as she returned to the sacred room to replace the box with a decoy. Her gaze fell upon a bracelet, designed to ward off evil spirits; she slipped it on before returning upstairs.