Chapter 126 “What did you see”
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After witnessing Nina’s roller coaster of emotions, transitioning from astonishment and a hint of anxiety to sheer enthusiasm and wonder, Shirley felt a bit exasperated. “Honestly, calling you ‘bold’ would be an understatement now,” she murmured.
Unaware of Shirley’s mumbling, Nina was utterly captivated by the skeletal dark hound before her. Jumping down from her chair, she took her time, circling the Dog twice, scrutinizing every detail of its form. When her eyes landed on the creature’s reddish eye sockets, a brief moment of surprise flashed across her face. However, it was merely a fleeting reaction, and Nina seemed otherwise unfazed.
“It’s incredible,” she whispered, seemingly lost in the moment. It appeared as though she was about to touch the hound’s skeletal head, akin to how one might pet a familiar animal. But, she hesitated, pulling her hand back and turning her gaze to Shirley. “This is my first encounter with something so… otherworldly. Is ‘Dog’ the result of some arcane spell? Or perhaps…”
“He’s a demon,” Shirley interjected with a grave tone, hinting at the underlying dangers. “Not just any demon, but one of the most perilous kinds.”
Nina recoiled slightly, her face a canvas of disbelief. “This seemingly courteous skeletal hound is a demon?”
To clarify, the creature, ‘Dog’, piped up, “To be more precise, I’m a shadow demon.” He moved one of his paws away from his face, giving Nina a clearer view of him. “My dear, this might be your maiden encounter with a shadow demon, but don’t be deceived. While my kin vary in appearance and demeanor, most are fierce and relentless.”
Taken aback, Nina struggled to grasp the revelation. The novelty of encountering such a mystical being for the first time began to wear off as memories of her lessons on the supernatural rushed back. “Shirley, you’re…”
“Yes,” Shirley acknowledged, lifting her arm to reveal a chain that seemed to be embedded into her very flesh. “I’m bound to a shadow demon. It’s a secret I’ve guarded closely. If the followers of the Storm Church were to discover this, they wouldn’t hesitate to sentence me to death by fire or cast me into the abyss of the sea.”
The gravity in Shirley’s demeanor and words was not lost on Nina, emphasizing the dire implications if this secret were to get out.
Nina slowly responded, “…The literature often mentions that the abyssal sea is teeming with wicked beings, believed to be remnants of malevolent deities. But looking at Mr. Dog,” she paused, contemplating the appropriateness of her next words, “he doesn’t exactly fit that description.”
“Dog isn’t your typical shadow demon,” Shirley began, choosing her words with care. “Most of his kind are devoid of heart and feelings, but he’s different. He possesses emotions, which are rare and puzzling. I can’t fathom the reason behind his uniqueness, but this distinct trait allows him to thrive outside the murky realms of the deep sea.”
Nina’s eyes widened in partial comprehension. “Really?” she uttered, somewhat lost in the convoluted web of revelations.
After a moment, she took a deep breath, running her fingers through her hair in a bid to process everything. In her bewilderment, she instinctively sought the guidance of a familiar presence. “Uncle, my head’s spinning from all this,” she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and desperation.
Given the whirlwind of events and the staggering weight of Shirley’s clandestine world, it was almost a marvel Nina wasn’t more overwhelmed. For an average schoolgirl, the day’s revelations were nothing short of mind-bending.
Duncan, ever the pillar of stability, offered a soothing response. “Considering all you’ve learned today, it’s only natural to feel this way.”
Seemingly coming to a realization, Nina posed a question she had inadvertently overlooked. “Uncle, have you known Shirley for a while? Were you aware of her secret and about Dog?”
Duncan smiled, his expression revealing a trace of fond memories. “Yes, I knew Shirley, but I had no idea she was the ‘friend’ you spoke of recently.”
Nina hesitated before pushing on, “Then, are you also delving into the events from eleven years ago? Are you two collaborating in this investigation?”
“In a manner of speaking. Our paths have crossed in relation to that investigation a few times,” Duncan confirmed.
Feeling somewhat sidelined, Nina murmured, “Why does it seem like I’m always the last one to know? And this incident from eleven years ago… What’s the big secret?”
Duncan’s eyes met Nina’s, the weight of unspoken truths between them. “All we know so far is that there was a significant fire back then, but it was somehow concealed. I haven’t kept you out of the loop to alienate you, but rather to shield you from a perilous realm that you’re unfamiliar with.”
“But what about you, Uncle?” Nina’s voice cracked with concern. “Aren’t you at risk too?”
Before Duncan could respond, Shirley chimed in with a hint of mischief: “Oh, trust me, your uncle’s been treading in dangerous waters for a long time…”
Duncan’s stern gaze cut her off before she could elaborate. “Nina, I’ve lived in this world for longer than you. It’s my duty to protect you. And, trust me, I’m not as vulnerable as you might think.”
Caught in the midst of the exchange, Nina’s emotions fluctuated wildly. The combination of bewilderment, concern, and the natural rebelliousness of youth culminated in a resigned exhale.
Peering out of the window, she noticed the evening sky transitioning to twilight. “It’s getting late,” she noted, “I’ll prepare dinner. Shirley, you should stay. The night isn’t particularly safe.”
Caught off-guard by Nina’s offer, Shirley momentarily struggled to compose herself. “Uhm… Oh!” She started, slowly piecing together Nina’s intentions. “Oh, that’s kind of you, but Dog and I will be alright heading back on our own…”
However, Duncan intervened before Shirley could firmly decline, his voice imbued with a mix of concern and authority: “I’d advise against leaving now. Dusk is nearly upon us, and the city streets will soon be patrolled by guardians. Do you truly want to risk running afoul of the city’s strict curfew?”
A brief chill ran through Shirley as she took in Duncan’s words. Casting a glance towards the window, she saw the encroaching twilight. The realization that she was, perhaps inadvertently, bound to stay at the antique store for the night dawned upon her.
“Well,” she began with a reluctant exhale, “I guess we’ll be staying, then.” With a feeble attempt at a smile, she addressed Nina, “Need a hand with anything?”
Grinning playfully, Nina responded, “No worries, I’m the designated chef in this house!” As she moved towards the staircase, she paused, pivoting back to face Shirley with a solemn gaze. “Shirley, can I ask something? Are we friends?”
Taken aback, Shirley’s instinctive reaction was to seek Duncan’s input. Yet he pointedly avoided her gaze, indicating she was on her own. After a few tense moments of introspection, she hesitated, “Well, not yet…” But, catching Nina’s fleeting disappointment, she quickly added, “But we can be.”
A bright smile lit up Nina’s face at this conditional affirmation, and with an energetic bounce in her step, she proceeded upstairs.
Amidst the quiet of the store, Shirley’s introspection was interrupted by Duncan’s soft words. “I appreciate it.”
Jolted out of her thoughts, Shirley looked up in surprise. “Why are you thanking me?”
With a calm demeanor, Duncan explained, “Nina hasn’t really had any close friends at school. The mere idea of possibly forming a friendship, especially with someone she’s already considered close, means the world to her. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her this animated and cheerful.”
Still processing, Shirley frowned slightly, trying to understand. “But, I’m not entirely following. You’re pretending to be just an ordinary man here, aren’t you? And Nina, she doesn’t seem to be aware of… well, your unique nature. At school, she seemed almost invisible. If not for Dog guiding me, I doubt I would’ve even noticed her. Yet, being favored by someone like you, she…”
“She’s not just someone I favor, she’s family – my niece,” Duncan interjected, stressing the relationship. His gaze then hardened as he addressed Shirley, “While Nina’s occupied, there’s something I need to clarify.”
Swallowing nervously, Shirley nodded, “Alright, shoot.”
“It was Dog who influenced you to befriend Nina, correct?”
She hesitated for a heartbeat before nodding, “Yes, that’s right.”
Duncan narrowed his eyes, absorbing this new piece of information. “When you say the scent of ‘ashes,’ Dog, are you referring to a literal scent or a metaphoric one? Is it something that Dog perceived due to Nina’s direct involvement or connection with that fire from eleven years ago?”
Shirley, looking intrigued and slightly anxious, explained instead, “Dog has a unique ability to perceive residual energies and auras, especially those tied to significant emotional or supernatural events. It’s almost like… an imprint left behind on people.”
Dog tilted his head, trying to find the right words to explain more clearly. “It’s not a literal scent of ashes. Instead, it’s an aura, an energy residue. It swirls around Nina, lingering like the aftermath of a fire. I sensed a similar energy when we were near the old factory site.”
Shirley continued, “That’s why Dog was drawn to Nina in the first place. He felt a connection between the aura surrounding her and the remnants of the event from a decade ago.”
Duncan leaned in, his face etched with concern. “Does this mean Nina was directly involved in the fire? Or is she simply an innocent bystander affected by the tragedy?”
Dog sighed, “It’s hard to pinpoint. The aura doesn’t necessarily indicate guilt or direct involvement. It could mean she has a strong emotional connection or tie to the event. It’s possible she was deeply affected by the tragedy in some way.”
The atmosphere in the shop grew heavy as they processed the implications of Dog’s revelations. Duncan finally spoke, “Regardless of her direct connection, we need to protect Nina. Her aura might attract unwanted attention from those linked to the fire or those searching for answers.”
“Dog partly raised his head and snuck a peak at Nina by lifting one of his paws from his face,”
peak –> peek
A peak is a top of a mountain, not something that you do as a peeping Tom, for example.