...Ley wished for the visitors to arrive before 4 pm and somehow, it happened. Armand Razon was escorted outside by a man in his early to mid-forties. There were no other people who came with them. The middle-aged man served as a driver and an assistant. But given their resemblance to each other, it was not hard to guess that they were father or son, or close relatives. The old man roamed his eyes around. A hint of disbelief flickered across his eyes as he found something a bit unbelievable. Those miracle-makers lived in this place?It was a large bungalow house with a partial second floor built into a sloped roof that could not look any more normal from the outside. Verandahs and gardens surrounded the main building. The wires outside indicated that it was dependent on electricity and internet provider... And that was it. Armand was a bit unsettled because from the outside, it looked like only a normal above average family lived in it. He could not help but mumble, "What a humble
...Only when Ley visited his parents again, or more like, took a glimpse of them from afar that he realized the great blunder he had just committed.The realization made him very unsettled, so instead of going to the bridge near the mall after leaving the Baler's mansion, he paid the Razons a visit.
...As it was still early, Ley did not go to the bridge or the hospital. He also did not lead his adoptive sister to the churches to advertise their version of holy water. No. That would definitely only invite trouble or fierce scolding from the priests and pastors. As deities themselves, it also sounded like stupidity to give authentic miracle items to devotees of other religions.“Brother Ley, it’s weird. It’s drizzling even though the sun is still up.”&ldq
...While the two were holding the fort in the capital, they had no idea that the old man accompanied only by the butler Sam, had had an undesirable encounter with some non-human creatures on the road back from the City of Pines.
...Midnight came. The large road accident that happened at the City of the Pines was naturally broadcasted nationwide and those in the faraway capital did not miss the news.“Grandpa Fernando and Sam!” At the living room, the shocked Hana stood up and her voice trembled when she yelled the names of those two.
...Two hours later, Ley and Hana sneakily jumped down from the aircraft landing in a street. The pilot was still hellbent on flying them to the other airport in the neighboring province and had no idea about what was happening in the passenger seats. He did not notice their mind-boggling departure. He did not see how they jumped off without wearing parachutes, and they simply relied on their physical capabilities to resist the frigid temperature, the air pressure, the fear, and everything associated with their suicidal moves.
...“Your friend’s a passenger of the bus that fell down the cliff at the City of Pines?”Nathan was currently someone who preferred to not leave the bungalow as much as possible. After experiencing peaceful days free of hauntings, he naturally became attached to the House. Even when going to the grocery store to buy himself a few bottles of alcohol or some treats, or when tagging along to help the maids restock, he did not want to stay outside for more than two hours.But now, Lucy, his pretty and competent editor, wanted him to accompany her to a place that would most likely demand him to part from his safe haven for a day or more?“Yes.” The woman’s voice rang from the other line, answering his previous question.Nathan’s mind went back to weighing his options.He had done his test before and five hours was already the limit. Only five hours. Yet a one way trip would already consume that much time, or more if they unluckily got caught in traffic.Leaving for a prolonged period meant
...“Mr. Nathan?”The one he saw seated on the stool next to the bed was Hana, and she was the only familiar person in the place. Ley, his ‘master’ was not around. The one lying in bed was a handsome man in his mid or late twenties matching the descriptions Lucy’s friend’s said just a few minutes ago. He must be the butler of the House. His future boss, Sam.Nathan looked around for a while, taking in every detail of the room. Hana who was puzzled about his appearance here asked, “Why are you here. When did you arrive?”He dazedly replied, “I’ve come with a friend who visited another passenger. I have just arrived.”“I see... We are only an hour or so earlier than you then.” Hana’s eyes went to the fairly beautiful woman standing next to Nathan. “And this is?”Lucy saw that Nathan’s gaze went to her too so she stepped forward. Wearing a smile on her lips, she said, “Good day. My name is Lucy. I am Nathan’s editor. He writes for our publication.” The editor was actually glum since