Ava's words hung in the air, filled with an air of mystery and urgency. Emily's mind was racing with questions, but before she could ask any of them, Ava swiftly gathered her belongings and ushered them out of the shop.
"Follow me," Ava said, her eyes scanning the surrounding area as if she feared being watched.
Ryan and Emily exchanged a nervous glance but trailed behind Ava as she led them through the winding streets of Tidal Cove. They eventually arrived at a small, secluded cottage on the outskirts of town.
Ava pushed open the creaky door and gestured for them to enter. The interior was cozy, with faded photographs adorning the walls and a fire crackling in the hearth.
"Now, we can talk," Ava said, her eyes locked onto Emily's. "Your parents, Emily, they were investigating a decades-old mystery. A mystery that has haunted this town for generations."
Ryan's eyes narrowed. "What kind of mystery?"
Ava hesitated, collecting her thoughts before speaking. "It started with a tragic shipwreck, the 'Eclipse,' which occurred just off the coast of Tidal Cove. Many lives were lost, and the town was left to pick up the pieces."
Emily's eyes widened. "I've heard stories about the 'Eclipse.' But what does it have to do with my parents?"
Ava's expression turned somber. "Your parents discovered that the shipwreck was not an accident. It was a deliberate act, orchestrated by a powerful organization that has been hiding in plain sight ever since."
Ryan's grip on Emily's hand tightened. "What organization?"
Ava's voice dropped to a whisper. "The Order of the New Dawn. A secret society that has infiltrated every level of this town's government and society."
Emily's mind reeled as she processed the information. Her parents had been investigating a conspiracy involving a secret society?
As the fire crackled and spat, Ava continued to reveal the hidden truth about Tidal Cove, leaving Emily and Ryan with more questions than answers.