Chapter 1~The First Meeting It was a sunny March day in London, a rare treat. A girl with medium brown skin of about sixteen walked through town heading to the local cafe. Once she had entered, the girl started scanning her surroundings. Her eyes settled on a man in the corner who was reading, he looked up and smiled. The girl smiled back. After the girl had ordered and gotten her drink, she walked up to the man. “Is this spot taken?” The man looked up. “Not at all. Please, sit.” The girl nodded and sat down. She took a sip of her chai before speaking again. “What’s that you’re reading?” “It’s a book on medicine. Comparing practices of modern medicine and what people used way back when.” “Huh. That’s cool I guess.” The girl kept glancing around, almost like she was expecting to get in trouble. “Can I ask you something?” The man said. She turned her attention back to him, “Sure. What about?” He studied her before asking his question. “Do you believe in, supernatural things?” The girl stiffened. “Like what?” She tried to downplay. The man chuckled. “Like, say, Vampires, Werewolves, Kelpies? Any of that ring a bell?” “Yes.” The girl whispered. “It’s my whole world.” The man nodded and leaned back. “I’m Lowell. What’s your name?” “Lucy. Lucy Claire.” “Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lucy. Tell me, what’s your role in this world?” Lucy hesitated before looking down “Hunter.” “I see.” Lowell studied Lucy again. He was no Empath but clearly Lucy didn’t like her life as a Hunter. “Why Hunter?” Lucy sighed, “I was born into it. I have no choice. My father has built his own Society from the ground up and I’m his puppet. The one that doesn’t ask questions, I carry out the tasks given to me.” “Would you like out of that life?” Lucy looked up, hope in her eyes. “How? I can’t leave. I’m bound to this life forever.” But she wanted out, so bad. “I own a bookstore and I live above it. There happens to be a spare room. Say the word and it’s yours.” “For real? But why? Why would you do that?” Lowell shrugged. “I can tell you don’t enjoy the life of a Hunter. Plus, I’m a little lonely, perhaps we can keep each other company. The decision is up to you. We can make it happen right now, say the word and I’ll take you with me.” Lucy took a shaky breath. “I….” She sighed, “Give me 24 hours, and I will meet you right back here. If you’re serious about the spare room, I’d like to take you up on that.” Lowell smiled and nodded. “Deal. This time tomorrow your life will be different, better. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Lucy.” “As do I.”
