Root of Deception

Azure Peaks. Liam O'Connell groaned, rubbing a hand over his sleepy eyes. He'd been driving for h

reading on the wrong toes, for asking questions he wasn't meant to ask. He'd been a good officer, darn excellent, but in

fog-shrouded peaks and whispering pines. A realm that seemed as far a

that appeared more like a weather-beaten cottage than a seat of law enforcement. The rain had slowed

and moist dirt. It was a dramatic contrast to the city's dirty air, yet he couldn't deny a certain sensation of... seren

a single room with a few desks, a file cabinet, and a coffee maker that looked like it had seen better days. A

fficer inquired, throwi

ed, offering a hand.

ome to Haven's Peak. Not much occurs here, normally. Mostly

l," Liam remarked,

"Anyway, your home is ready. Small cottage up on th

lied. "Anything I

eryone minds everyone else's business. Or at least, they pretend to. Oh, and keep an eye out for Elara Vanc

s?" Liam lift

But harmless. Mostly. Anyway, you'll meet everyone in time. Right now, go get s

p the hill was brief, but the route was twisting and steep. The cottage, when he eventually

dow. The vista was beautiful, even in the fog. The mountains loomed around the town, their summit

t about the case that had led him here, the one he'd been instructed to dismis

d, yet he couldn't escape the sense that he was being watched. He peek

ir was chilly, wet, and motionless. He listened, but he couldn't hear

into the fog. He couldn't escape the sensat

s hand immediately flew to his side, but he was unar

ng. Silence. Then, anoth

to see through the fog. He spotted a glimpse o

s the gloom. He couldn't see anything clearly, but

A little, pallid figure, gliding with a weird, almost inhuman

What had he just seen? It couldn't be genu

m. He leaned against the door, his pulse thumping in his chest. He w

in a weird realm, a land of secrets and shadows. And he had a