The morning was bright for those outside the house; life seemed to flow as usual, with people going about their routines, oblivious to the turmoil within. The slower and sunnier it appeared to the world, the darker and faster-paced Joseph's morning seemed to be. David stood next to him, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity, as he asked Joseph about the incident related to the time getting stopped. As their conversation continued, Joseph's mind replayed the demon's taunting words. "Could it be you've developed a fondness for these lowly humans…?"
"SKRRKTTT…"—his memories skipped like a scratched record, dragging him back to the demon's cutting voice. "It must be because of that dirty human blood flowing inside you."
Suddenly, an old memory flashed before his eyes like a sudden lightning bolt. He saw the face of a charming woman with blond, curly hair, her eyes a vibrant blend of blue and green. Her expression radiated love as she reached out to embrace him. "Joseph… I will always love you, my…"
"SKRRRTTTT"—the memory distorted, yanking him back to the present like a rude awakening.
Joseph stood frozen for a moment, the weight of his past pressing down on him. His voice was tight, thick with unspoken grief. "No, just a warning."
He gathered himself quickly, pushing the haunting memories aside as best he could. "Let's get ready. I think Miss López might need our help in cleaning up all the traces."
David, standing a few feet away, narrowed his eyes, watching Joseph intently. He knew Joseph was hiding something, but decided not to press the issue. Joseph needed time, and David would give it to him—for now.
A few minutes later, Joseph emerged from his room, fully dressed, and looking as composed as ever. "Let's go!" he announced, his voice firm, as he strode towards the front door.
But something held him back. David was still standing there, not moving, just staring at him with a look that was part concern, part suspicion.
"David?" Joseph called out, a hint of impatience in his voice.
David sighed deeply, his concern spilling into his words. "Don't push yourself, Joseph. You can rest. I can handle this commotion."
Joseph chuckled, a brief smile breaking through his stern demeanor. He walked over to David and clapped a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "David, even though I'm not fully a vampire, my healing capacity is no joke."
With that, he turned on his heel and headed for the door, his footsteps echoing in the silent hall. David, realizing there was no arguing with him, sighed in resignation. "Huff… this man!" he muttered under his breath, following him out.
As they stepped outside, the scene that greeted them was pure chaos. A throng of reporters swarmed the main gate, microphones waving like frenzied tentacles. The guards were doing their best to hold them back, but the crowd was relentless, pushing and shoving, desperate for a scoop.
Joseph shot a glance at David, who nodded. They needed to figure out what was going on. Without hesitation, Joseph strode towards the gate, signaling the guards to let him through. As he approached, the reporters surged forward, hungry for answers.
"What are you all doing here?" Joseph asked, his voice cutting through the noise like a knife through butter.
"We're here to interview Sir Joseph! Call him out!" one reporter shouted, practically shoving a microphone in Joseph's face.
Joseph exchanged a quick glance with David, who was barely able to suppress a chuckle at the absurdity of the situation.
Clearing his throat, David asked with mock formality, "Ahem… What do we do now?"
Joseph scanned the crowd, quickly realizing there was no easy escape. He let out a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "Let's confront them. Unless you've got a secret tunnel out of here, I don't know about?"
David grinned, amused. "Go on then!"
Joseph took a step forward, his voice rising above the clamour. "I'm here. You can stop shouting now. What do you want to ask?"
A reporter at the back, emboldened by Joseph's presence, wasted no time. "Yesterday's incident—people below the building said you were present at the crime scene. We want to know more about it."
Another one chimed in, not missing a beat, "Witnesses reported hearing a loud roar of an animal from the fifth floor. Was it an animal or something else?"
A third reporter, leaning over her colleagues, added, "Neighbors claimed they saw a monster! Was it really a monster?"
For a split second, Joseph was caught off guard, their barrage of questions taking him by surprise. He shot a look at David, hoping for some backup.
David, always quick on his feet, stepped forward, his voice firm and authoritative. "All information related to this matter is confidential," he stated flatly. "Please understand that we cannot disclose any details at this time."
The reporters, clearly unsatisfied, began to press harder, their voices rising in pitch and intensity. But David was unyielding. "We appreciate your concern and interest, but this is an ongoing investigation. Rest assured; the authorities are handling it."
Joseph, regaining his composure, stepped up again. His presence was commanding, his voice a calm but potent force that instantly quieted the more frantic reporters. "May this have answered all your concerns related to the case," he declared, his tone leaving no room for further debate.
But as he spoke, a few of the more aggressive reporters began pushing past the guards, trying to force their way into the house. Joseph's gaze sharpened, and with a sharpness that cut through the air like a whip, he delivered his next words: "IPC Act, Section 452: House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint. Since the intruder is trying to force entry, it implies an intention to harm or threaten. The victim can take proper measures and file a complaint, leading to action against the intruder."
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, freezing the reporters in their tracks. Joseph's gaze swept over them, ensuring they fully grasped the seriousness of his warning.
Joseph's gaze swept over them, ensuring they fully grasped the seriousness of his warning. "Thank you for your understanding," he continued, his voice now calms but still laced with authority. "Now, please provide us a way for my car to move out."
The reporters, visibly chastened, began to back away, clearing a path for Joseph and David. The guards, emboldened by Joseph's command, quickly reasserted their positions, making sure no one else tried to breach the property.
With a curt nod to David, Joseph walked confidently to his car, the crowd parting like the Red Sea before him. He slid into the driver's seat, with David taking his place beside him. The engine roared to life, a deep, satisfying growl that reverberated through the air. Joseph maneuverer the car through the now-clear path, leaving the reporters behind in a cloud of dust.
As they drove away, the tension in the air slowly began to dissipate. David turned to Joseph, admiration gleaming in his eyes. "You handled that perfectly, Joseph."
Joseph gave a firm nod, his face set in a determined expression. But as they drove further away, the echoes of the demon's words continued to haunt him, pulling at the shadows of his past, dragging them into the light. The battle was not just with the demons outside—it was with the ones within.
To be Continued...