Emilia Cartwright stepped off the bus, the cool wind of the evening sweeping across her face. It was her first time in Ashwood, and the small town felt oddly like a place frozen in time. The cobbled streets, the old brick buildings, and the dense forest that surrounded the town gave off a sense of isolation, as though it was a world apart from everything she had known.
Her decision to move here had been impulsive driven more by the need to escape her past than any particular affection for the town itself. Ashwood wasn't a place she had chosen out of love or even interest. It was simply far enough from the memories of her parents' mysterious death and the life she had left behind in the city.
She stood there for a moment, taking in her surroundings. The town had a strange beauty to it, but something was unsettling about it too. The air smelled of pine and damp earth, and the soft rustle of leaves in the trees made her feel like she was being watched. She shook off the feeling, telling herself it was just her imagination.
"Need a ride, miss?" A voice interrupted her thoughts, and Emilia turned to see a tall man standing next to an old truck. His dark eyes studied her, his expression unreadable.
She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I'm heading to the inn. Do you know where it is?"
The man's lips curled into a faint smile. "You're in luck. I'm headed that way myself. Hop in."
Emilia had little choice. She didn't know the town well enough to walk, and the thought of lingering at the bus stop, alone, made her uneasy. She climbed into the truck, her gaze lingering on the man as he slid into the driver's seat.
He was quiet, too quiet for her liking. His presence was almost imposing as if he was someone who didn't share much of himself with the world. But there was something magnetic about him, a pull she couldn't explain. His strong jawline and chiseled features were the first things she noticed sharp and intense as if carved from stone. His dark hair was a little too long, and his jacket, a worn leather one, made him seem both rugged and dangerous.
"So, what brings you to Ashwood?" he asked after a long pause, his voice deep and smooth.
"I needed a fresh start," Emilia replied, keeping her answer vague. "I've been through some things... and I thought it would be nice to get away for a while."
The man nodded, not pressing further. Instead, he seemed to focus on the road, steering the truck with practiced ease. The drive was silent, save for the occasional rustle of the trees and the hum of the truck's engine.
As they neared the heart of the town, Emilia noticed something strange. The streets were empty. It was as if everyone had disappeared or retreated into their homes the moment the sun dipped below the horizon. The lack of people felt eerie as if the town had a secret it was hiding from outsiders.
The truck stopped in front of a small, quaint building the inn. Emilia had seen it in the photos online when she booked her stay, but seeing it in person made her feel uneasy. It was a two-story, brick structure with ivy creeping up the sides. The windows were dark, and the place had an almost abandoned look, though the flicker of light from inside suggested someone was home.
"This is it," the man said, his voice breaking the silence. He didn't seem to be in any hurry to leave, though, as if he was waiting for something.
"Thanks," Emilia said, glancing at him as she reached for the door. "I appreciate the ride."
Before she could open the door, the man spoke again. "I don't suppose you've heard of the Blackwood family, have you?"
Emilia furrowed her brow. "No. Should I?"
His gaze sharpened, and for a brief moment, there was something almost predatory in his eyes. But then, just as quickly, it was gone. He looked away, his lips curling into a smirk.
"No matter," he said. "I suppose you'll learn soon enough."
Emilia wasn't sure what to make of his cryptic words, but she didn't have time to dwell on them. She opened the door and stepped out, taking a deep breath as she inhaled the cool night air.
The man watched her for a moment, his eyes narrowing as if he were sizing her up. "Welcome to Ashwood," he said before driving off into the darkening streets.
Emilia stood there for a moment, feeling a chill run down her spine. She couldn't shake the feeling that something about the town, or perhaps about the man, was off. But she wasn't here to make sense of it all. She was here to leave the past behind.
The inn's door creaked open as she stepped inside, and the warmth of the interior welcomed her. The woman behind the counter, an older lady with graying hair and kind eyes, gave her a warm smile.
"You must be the new guest," she said, her voice soft and welcoming. "I'm Agnes. Welcome to Ashwood."
"Thank you," Emilia replied, smiling weakly. "I'm Emilia. I'll be staying for a while."
Agnes nodded, handing her the key to her room. "Take care of yourself here, dear. This town has a way of... drawing people in. But not everyone stays. You'll see."
The words were odd, but Emilia didn't give them much thought. She thanked Agnes and headed up the stairs to her room.
But as she lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't shake the feeling that Ashwood wasn't just a quiet town it was a place filled with hidden dangers, and secrets lurking beneath the surface. And somewhere in the depths of that town, she could feel something or someone watching her.