"What have you found out?" Matteo walked into the bedroom where his father and mother lay dead on the floor, already covered in a white cloth.
He looked at the coroner in charge of investigating the death of his parents. But their expression only indicated that they were just as confused as they were.
There was no sign of foul play. No blood splatters were on the scene, no wounds or bruising on the body, and no hint of poison.
Upon observation, it would seem the cause of their demise was natural death. As if they just dropped dead literally on the floor.
But Matteo did not see it that way. He did not believe it could be as simple as that. His parents were strong despite their age. They had no known illnesses. And it was a strange coincidence that they died at the same time.
"We will know more after we do an autopsy." Sheriff Johnson answered his question, walking into the room just in time. He planned to look into this case personally since this family was a close friend.
In this place where humans and the supernatural co-exist, he had made it his obligation to assure all involved that he would remain impartial. Everyone would have their fair share of the justice system.
If he found that someone was responsible for the death of this couple, he would find them and make them answerable in their laws. The laws applied to humans and the other forms of life that lived in this city.
"I hope you will conduct a thorough investigation on this matter," Matteo informed the Sheriff. "Because I believe that there is someone responsible for their deaths."
Judging from all the evidence he had observed so far, he believed his parents died at someone's hand, not humans or one of their kind. But someone powerful, capable of covering their tracks.
But he would find them. They would never get away from what they did. He would hunt them and make them pay with their lives.
No one messed with his pack, especially his family, and got away with it. They would not die without suffering the consequence of his wrath.
"I think so too. I believe Alejandro and Levina suffered in the hands of an unknown assailant." The Sheriff could only conclude from the initial investigation he did.
But he could not write it down like that in his report unless he found some evidence to support his claim.
The Sheriff pulled him away from the crowd and pulled out his phone to show him something. He knew whispering something to him would risk the others overhearing their conversation. He did not want to do that.
"Where did you get that information?" Matteo asked after looking at the screen of the officer's phone.
The words written on the screen were incriminating. But without sound basis and proof, it would be hard to prove. Matteo knew he could not conveniently implicate anyone in this incident without hard evidence.
If he falsely accused someone, he would declare war against the different species involved in the peace pact. But if he could find a solid confirmation of their guilt. Then maybe he could gather some allies for his cause.
"I'll tell you more once I gather more information. But as of now, that is a rumor that I want to explore." The Sheriff told him, putting his phone away. "Well, I'll talk to you again if I have more news."
"Thanks again for all your help." Matteo placed a hand on the Sheriff's shoulder, showing his appreciation for his help.
He was a long way from solving his parent's death, but he would not stop until he learned the true identity of the people behind it. Once he found them, he would grant them no mercy and make them pay with suffering worse than death.
Looking at his father's open eyes, he noticed something peculiar, as if his father saw his death coming. It was the same with his mother.
Eventually, he marched away from the crime scene, swearing to avenge their deaths.
"What did the investigation say about Mom and Dad," Aldric asked as soon as he saw his big brother.
He did not have the heart to look at their lifeless bodies. Still unable to accept that they were eternally gone. After years of their presence and guidance, it was difficult for him to let them go.
"Nothing is conclusive at this point. But Sheriff Johnson promised to let us know if they learned more of the cause of their deaths." Matteo informed his brother, putting his hand on his shoulders as support.
He knew that Aldric always had the gentlest heart among them. His ability to care and empathize was admirable, not only with their pack but also with humans and other species. But it was also his number one flaw. It made him weak.
"Where is Autumn?" Aldric asked, suddenly remembering their little sister. He looked around the area, but all he saw were police investigators checking the entire house.
"She's probably in her room," Matteo said, suddenly realizing he had not seen her outside or anywhere else. But he could sense her presence inside the house.
He was afraid that she might have seen their parent's condition. He knew he had to check on her. "I'll go look for her now. Why don't you stay here and see if the police would find something else." He left instructions for Aldric, leaving him in charge.
Aldric nodded, knowing he had to be tough for his parents and family. Matteo would need an ally to help him now that he was about to be the new Alpha.
Matteo climbed the stairs and went straight to her room. He could already hear her crying inside, probably cooped up on her bed, covered in a blanket, or, at worse times, hiding behind her closet.
But when he entered her room, it was empty. The bed remained neat as if no one had laid or sat on it since this morning.
He could remember their mother telling them why they should always keep their room tidy. Because monsters always lurked when the room was messy.
"Autumn, I'm here. Would you like to talk?" She quickly jumped outside of her closet and ran to him. She quickly enveloped his big body with her gentle and small arms. Then, she burst into more tears.
"Don't cry. Everything will be alright. I am here. I will take care of you." Matteo whispered in her ears as they settled on the edge of her bed.
With her little sister cradled in his arms, he knew he had to protect her and his entire pack from the imminent threat from their unknown adversary.
He already knew that their parents did not die because of a disease or a physical blow to the body. Something strange killed them. It was like a dark force crossed over their bodies, an enemy that lurked behind the shadows.
The autopsy would never show what he already knew. It was worse than he had suspected, and he would be fighting against dangerous and powerful entities. But he was not afraid of them.
His father trained him to be the strongest in their pack. He was born to be the Alpha. And soon, it would be his time to prove that.