Chapter 447 447

Chapter 447 Chapter 447

Dialogues with potential witnesses, snippets of overheard conversations, and the cryptic messages left by an unknown adversary all converge in a mosaic of intrigue.

As Tom delves deeper into the Necromancers' case, an unsettling twist throws him into a new realm of mystery. The tranquil interior of the police office, usually a haven of quietude, has becomes the stage for a series of macabre events—bizarre deaths of livestock that send ripples of fear through the community. Disturbed residents report unknown creatures viciously attacking their animals, leaving behind a trail of unnerving evidence.

The disturbing details send shivers down Tom's spine as he examines the carcasses of the unfortunate animals. Two bloody holes near their necks reveal a pattern, a sinister signature that defies explanation. The blood within their bodies has been drained, leaving behind a chilling tableau of lifeless remains.

As the community reels from these inexplicable occurrences, Tom encounters a young man whose harrowing claim plunges the city into a new level of fear. The young witness asserts that he has seen the dreaded vampire, a creature of myth and nightmare. The mere utterance of the word sends shockwaves through the already tense atmosphere.

Word spreads like wildfire, and soon, rumors of vampires become a pervasive whisper among the citizens. Fear takes hold, and the city is plunged into a collective panic. The once-cohesive community is now fractured by the specter of the unknown, a fear that snakes through the streets and homes, casting a shadow over the city's sense of security.

Tom, now faced with a dual challenge—the Necromancers' case and the escalating hysteria over supposed vampires. He finds himself at the epicenter of an uncharted investigation. The lines between myth and reality blur, and the city becomes a breeding ground for fear and paranoia.

The investigation takes an unforeseen turn, as Tom navigates the tumultuous waters of superstition and genuine peril, determined to uncover the truth behind the bizarre deaths and dispel the looming specter of vampires that threatens to plunge the city into chaos.

.......

By this time, the tension in Castra city had risen.

From the outskirts, to the rural south, up to the urban north, mothers held her children close from dusk till dawn. By night, if a single pin should drop, the echo of several bolting doors could be heard throughout the city.

So, the police had to step up.

Curfews were no longer enough.

Investigations didn't seem to help either.

So, to placate the hearts of the citizens, night patrols became the next thing. Day shifts were split up between the rookie cops. The green eyed boys in their flashy sheriff hats manned the roads by day. And at night, a host of veteran cops took to the streets, prowling the city's streets in the thousands.

In their right hands, they held flaming torches above their heads. The pillars of flames cackled silently- illuminating their paths, and keeping them at the same time. Below them, their trained horses trotted along the city's streets.

In groups of three, they patrolled the night- side by side- with grim faces and vigilant eyes.

But it wasn't his sight that was tugging at his senses- it was his ears.

fighting?

To his far right, north east of his present location, low rumbling echoes in the din.

clang! clang!!

The unmistakable sounds of metal against metal rang in the darkness- slicing through the stillness of the night. The song of hushed blades continued- followed closely by the grunts of fighting men.

Tom's expression hardened. Under his broad sheriff hat, worrying lines formed across his forehead. Gripping the reins even tightly, he dug his soles into the horse's sides, and craned his head forward.

The black stallion leaped forward- galloping through the darkness in majestic strides. Its powerful hooves struck the earth, thundering and thundering. Its nose snorted, and its powerful neck craned forward as it charged directly into danger.

Tension engulfed the black terrain- choking the very air.

Cursing the moonless night, Tom's eyes flashed and flashed as he raged towards the battle. The horse leapt upwards- and he knew that he was climbing some sort of ledge. The loose saddle shook suddenly, and Tom wailed- nearly toppling off!

The torch slipped from his grip! It scampered down and landed on the ground, plunging Tom into the darkness.

But the cop had no time to perseverate on his fuck up! Grimacing in disgust, he snarled at the horse;

"Hiyahhhhh!!"

He clicked his tongue, and kicked it fiercely- pouring his desperation into his command;

"HIYAAAHHH!!"

The beast responded- surging forward as its rippling muscles tautened under its black hide. Tom's pleading eyes narrowed in the darkness;

'Shit. . .I need to go faster. . .if anyone else get's killed on my watch. . .'

He swallowed.

Suddenly, a couple of yards ahead, the sounds of several tree branches snapped- and he heard the unmistakable grunts of fighting men.