Chapter 81: Preparation for the Search

CALEB I drove her home, where we ended up having hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. Kyle joined us a few moments later, and was bombarded with questions about his physical state. His new found abilities helped him in keeping his muscles. At least. 'Dr. Flora called while you were gone." Kyle said as we drove home. Why did everyone choose now to contact us? 'What did she say?" 'Said we need to return soon. She's made some discoveries. She also sounded like she was in trouble. But you can't really tell with these women." Hm. Strange. 'We'll leave for Hulvey tomorrow night then." HELENA. 'Where's Aaron?" Luna asked, preparing her supplies in her small sling bag. I saw a few bottles, a knife, and the map they'd found a few days ago in the basement. I was still confused as to why dad never told me the truth about that map. Then again, I didn't really know anything about him at the time. Luna left the living room, and returned with another bottle, tossing it into the same bag. I wondered how so much could fit into that little space. 'He's on his way. 10 minutes out." I replied after seeing the text from him. I turned around, stuffing my own backpack. I took three flashlights, three different battery supplies, a water bottle, emergency scissors, a tiny gun Luna had conjured up, a jacket, and some night vision goggles. Tyrus stared at me with a judgmental look. 'Hey, don't blame me. I'm just trying to be safe." She squeaked, floating away into Luna's room. I called Aaron's cell phone. He said he had some last minute stuff to do at the restaurant, but last minute was turning into half an hour. He picked up on the first ring. 'Aaron, where the hell are you? It's past 9pm already. Come on…." 'I'm right behind you." I creased my brows, and turned around with a start. Well enough, he was right there, eyes glowing and that signature smirk plastered on his face. He was dressed in all black, from shirt, to combat trousers and a jacket. He wasn't holding any bags. 'He walked in a few seconds ago. Don't mind the fucker." Luna said cooly, sitting on the couch. She glanced at me and Aaron, who was still standing so close to me, and smiled. I poked Aaron in the chest. 'Seems like you had a good day at work." He smiled at my gesture, and scratched the back of his neck. 'You can say that. Everyone missed me. Guess my skills are valued that much." That cocky tone again. I rolled my eyes. 'One day, we're gonna have a cook off, and Luna would be the judge." 'I would actually be so happy to oblige." Luna said happily, giving Aaron a mischievous look. 'Until then. But I'm not accepting Luna. You know she'll cheat." Aaron said, looking a little sullen. 'That is a strong accusation you know. Alright. Now that we're all here, we can go over some ground rules. One, if I say run, run. The library is pretty old, and you might know your way around it Helena, but i've encountered a lot of things to know that that place isn't just old bricks and books." Luna started, and I and Aaron stared at her intently. I just hope tonight goes well. 'If you hear a sound, don't look. If someone calls your name, don't respond. There are a lot of entities guarding the scroll, so we have to be very careful. Any questions?" Can we take some ice cream? I was tempted to say. I had an annoying craving for some at that moment, but I swallowed it all up. Ice cream could wait. Luna couldn't. And I was being silly. 'No." Aaron said after watching my expression for a bit. 'Let's just…stick together. My gut tells me something isn't right." 'The one day you decide to listen to it huh?" Luna said scornfully. 'Let's just go." I said, taking a deep breath. 'Tyrus is coming with us, right?" 'No, it's too dangerous. And she's way too small." She refused, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Probably right. We headed out of the house, after making sure Tyrus was tucked into her cot safely. Luna put some sort of sleep inducing spell on her, and she was gone in minutes. We placed our things into Luna's truck and got into the seats. The night was silent, and with the increased disappearances, the road was empty. It was pretty late, and no one wanted any more missing people posters. They had pretty much lined up all over the city. We got to the library, all nervous and with strange anticipation. Luna jumped down from the driver's seat, sniffing the air. Aaron did the same. 'Someone's been here. Not too long ago." They echoed simultaneously, and glanced at each other. Luna began walking towards the entrance, and Aaron followed. I blinked twice. 'Can either of you place the scent?" I asked, trailing them from behind. Aaron noticed, and stood behind me so that I was in between both of them. The small movement made my heart beat faster. 'I'm getting scents from that guy…the one who came to the house with his grandma the other night." Luna said, pointing her nose towards the door. The moon was three thirds of being full, and it shone brightly. 'You mean Caleb?" I said, my voice trembling slightly. I didn't like being in this environment. The library's old walls and bushy yards made me feel nauseated. 'Whatever his name was. That's the only person I'm tracing it to." She confirmed, pausing at the unlocked mahogany doors. Caleb did mention he was searching for the scroll. Should I tell them? I wasn't sure how Luna would react, because it would mean she was right. A lot of people apparently knew about the scroll, and wanted to get their hands on it. 'But that doesn't make any sense. Why would he come here?" Aaron asked, crossing his arms. Yep, I'm definitely not telling them. 'Humans don't make sense on their own. Maybe he just wanted to check it out. The scroll's aura is draining, I can feel it." Luna returned her attention to the door, checking it out from all angles. My eyes dropped to the chains that guarded the door. I gasped softly. It was missing the huge padlock. 'What's wrong?" Aaron asked softly, holding my shoulder. 'There used to be a huge padlock there. Now it's gone." I pointed at the chains dangling at the sides of the door handles. Whoever did this must have been very desperate. 'I don't think it's a good idea to touch that handle." Luna spoke, cutting Aaron's hand midway. He was about to pull the door open. She checked around the door, and huffed, pointing towards a point at the top of the door, closest to the ceiling. There was an unnatural cluster of spider webs placed in the center of the door. It looked weird. 'It's a trap." Luna said, cursing under her breath. 'Made with magic. One designed for paralysis. I told you the scroll is heavily guarded." She added, directing her attention towards the bushes on the side of the building. 'This far to guard something. Must be very powerful." Aaron muttered.