Chapter 12: A Heart Broken

The days were a fog of terror and tiredness. It seemed like the whole universe rested on my shoulders. Both physically and mentally, the inquiry had worn me out. I was starting to feel the pressure of operating on empty. The strain was also on Nathaniel. He was an action guy who was used to finishing tasks. However, the Watchers posed a distinct threat, an entity that seemed to defy reason. We could feel the tension between us. We argued all the time, turning our disagreements into yelling wars. We seemed to be two ships navigating the same storm, both attempting to remain afloat but running into each other nonstop. One evening, when we were attempting to work things out over a conversation in the living room, there was a knock on the door. With my heart thumping in my chest, I proceeded to respond. Jameson was the one. He seemed worn out and anxious. With a hushed voice, he said, "I have news." I moved aside to make room for him. After shutting the door, he took a seat on the sofa. "I discovered something," he said, a peculiar intensity shining in his eyes. "Possibly something helpful to us." A beat skipped in my heart. What had he discovered? Jameson took out a little book that was encased in leather. The pages had yellowed with age, and everything was ancient and worn. With delight in his voice, he said, "It is a journal." "A lady called Sarah owned it. She was an expert in the history of the town, having worked as a local historian." Trembling, I grabbed the journal from him. I turned the pages and skimmed over the text. Jameson said, "It is jam-packed with facts on the Watchers." "About their intentions, about their roots." I was filled with optimism. This may hold the key to putting an end to them. However, what I learnt from reading the journal crushed my heart. Sarah had had some connection to the Watchers. One of them had been her. She also gave birth to a son. A son who remained living. I stared up at Jameson, shocked beyond belief. Do you imply that another Watcher exists? My voice trembled as I asked. Jameson's pallid face gave a nod. "I believe so," he said. "A strong one." I had a sick feeling. There has never been a closer Watcher. And one of them was in Eldridge Falls, right here. I heard something outside as I was still trying to digest this new knowledge. I recognised the man I saw as I peered out the window. Nathaniel was the one. With a calculating and chilly demeanour, he was observing us. I understood the meaning of this. He knew I was here because he had followed me. I turned to face Jameson, terror shining in my eyes. With just a whisper, I whispered, "We have to go." Jameson gave a nod. We rushed to the door and he took hold of my hand. With our hearts racing, we stormed out of the home. With Nathaniel right behind us, we raced through the streets. His footfalls were becoming nearer to us as he made progress. We arrived at the town's outskirts just as we were about to give up. A little woodland was in front of them, providing an opportunity to conceal. We fled into the trees, the agony shooting through our legs. With our hearts racing, we retreated behind a tree. Coming out of the woods, Nathaniel had a calculated, hard malice in his gaze. "You are running out of time, Emma," he whispered in a threatening, low voice. I inhaled deeply, attempting to slow down my palpitating heart. "We will see about that," I said in a firm voice. I then heard a sound. A shot from a gun. I turned to see Nathaniel's face distorted in anguish as he clutched his shoulder. I was given an opportunity. With my pulse thumping in my chest, I sprinted in his direction. He was on the verge of falling when I got to him. I took hold of his arm and drew him in my direction. He attempted to retaliate, but I was stronger. I hauled him out of town and into the wilderness. We needed to escape and make it through. I glanced back at Nathaniel as we ran. He was bleeding and feeble. However, there was a calculated, icy hate in his eyes. I was certain he would persevere. He would return, more powerful than before. I prepared myself for him. With every step we took, Nathaniel's cries became softer as we fled farther into the forest. I could not leave him alone, even though I knew I had to get assistance. I led him towards a little creek that I had located. In the hopes that it might help halt the bleeding, I carefully lowered him into the cold water. His eyes were full of hate and dread as he groaned in agony. My heart ached for him as I sat next to him. Though at the time I wanted to detest him, all I felt was sympathy. Being a victim of the Watchers, he was a damaged man. Nathaniel's eyelids fluttered open, and he gave me a confused, fearful expression. "Emma," he said in a scarcely discernible whisper. With my heart thumping in my chest, I clasped his hand. With a quiver in my voice, I responded, "It is alright." "It will all work out for you." He attempted a faint, uncomfortable grin. With just a whisper, he murmured, "I am sorry." I gave a headshake. I said, "Do not be." "You are not to blame." He closed his eyes and began to breathe more laboredly. I squeezed his hand, feeling a weird mixture of comfort and anguish in my heart. He has vanished. I watched the river run for a while as I sat there. I had the impression that I was about to become ill, and the world seemed to be whirling around me. I had managed to halt the Watchers, but at what price? I was alone with the ghosts of the past when Nathaniel passed away. I heard a noise as I got up to go. It was a voice, a voice we knew well. The voice shouted out, "Emma." With my heart racing in my chest, I spun around. The enigmatic person who had been messaging me was standing there in the shadows. "It is time," he said, his voice taking on an odd intensity. I stepped closer to him. "Who are you?" My voice trembled as I asked. With a knowing smile, he grinned. He answered, "I am the one who has been keeping an eye on you." "The one leading you throughout." I was filled with optimism. Maybe this was the last of the bad dreams. Maybe there was still hope for improvement. "What are you wanting?" With a calm tone, I asked. With an odd intensity in his gaze, he stepped closer. "I want to assist you," he said. "I want to assist you in restoring this village." I paused, my thoughts whirling. Could I put my confidence in him? Was this what he said? He turned and walked away, vanishing into the darkness before I could respond. I stood there and saw him go. A wave of tranquillity swept over me. At last, the horror was gone. There was no charge at Eldridge Falls. I turned to face the spot where Nathaniel had perished as I made my way away from the river. I felt both relief and despair at the same time. A fresh morning was beginning as the darkness had faded. I would be there to support them while the town healed. It had been a difficult and protracted voyage, but I had made it. I had overcome my worries by facing them head-on. And I could see that the future was promising as I made my way into town. A new day was breaking, and the horror was finally gone.