Prologue

A Chapter by LadyMacaroon

Cool wind danced across the shimmering surface of the lake. The park was perfectly serene; quiet, peaceful. There was no sound, just undisturbed sights. Mallards were swimming around the lake idly, carps of vibrant colours gliding on the bottom of the pool. Pond weed grew in abundance by the water. The subtle aroma of crumbling leaf gave the place a certain twist to it; it was like sandalwood, but more potent. Stronger, even. Orange and red leaves rushed through the crisp autumn air, chasing each other in an endless game of tag.

But the tranquility was broken by gravel crunching brutally under rough, weathered boots. The leaves were brushed aside; the scent of leaf replaced by the strong tang of cheap whisky and cigar. The figure was burly, all wildlife skittered away, giving him a wide berth. Even all the inanimate things; leaves dried out petals. It was as if they had a subconscious warning to steer clear. Those who did not move quickly enough were flattened cruelly by the mysterious leather-clad figure. The figure (let us just say it is a he, until we really find out), marched up to the clear, clean lake. Reaching into a pocket, his fist dropped a grimy object into the water. Just for a second, the water turned a startling, disgusting grotesque shade of murky brown, before changing back to the clearest blue, just one semi shade lighter than before. As he raised his head, the sunlight caught his face. He had a fluffy red beard, with dark dangerous brown eyes that glinted with evil. He straightened his hood, and turned his heel, leaving. But something made him hold back. For a split second, a girl's face could be seen in the water, mouth gaping in an endless scream. Then he left, looking visibly shaken. He looked back, and the girl was gone.

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