Two Red Strings

Chapter 18

Ethan and Magnolia got out of the car and ran up to the porch when they were stopped by the police. "Stop! No civilians allowed in here." An officer stopped them. "This is my house! Let me in!" Magnolia protested. But she was a little too loud, attracting the media's attention.

"Are you the resident of this estate?" A reporter questioned. "How do you feel about your house?" Another asked. "What are you going to do about it?" A third quizzed. Journalists and reporters crowded around the snow white girl. Magnolia didn't know what to feel. She just wanted to go home, grab a bag or two and head over to Ethan's place. She didn't want to be known on the media. And it triggered a pastime trauma.

It was on her first day of third grade. Everyone gathered around her and stared, gossiping. They treated her as if she was an animal on display. Magnolia felt sick in her stomach. Suddenly, three quick succession of gunfire rang in the air. The media turned to Ethan, who held a gun at them.

"Leave her alone!" He growled. Then, two police officers ran out from behind on the crowd to seize him. Ethan flashed a card and badge at the officers. They recoiled, letting Ethan to intercept Magnolia from the crowd. Ethan grabbed her arm and pulled her into the house. "I'm giving you three minutes." He shoved her into her own house, following her behind. Magnolia sprinted to her room where it appeared ransacked.

Oh no... She searched all around for Myers's notebook as Ethan explored the rest of the house. Magnolia let out a sigh of relief. She still had it, in her drawer with the lock and key still intact. "This room is under currently investigation. Put your hands up where I can see them." An adult cocked his gun. Magnolia dropped the book and did as ordered.

She turned around, only to see the dark haired inspector be knocked out by Ethan. "Hurry up and pack!" He urged, kneeling down to check his neck. He saw a blonde yellow bell on the side of his neck. "We've got little time on our hands." He added. Magnolia reluctantly agreed.

She found her duffle bag and started packing. She packed some of her clothes and Myers' notebook in. After that, Ethan and Magnolia rushed back out to his Ferrari and drove off before the media had time to interview Magnolia again. Magnolia silently cried to herself in the passenger's seat as soon as she head entered. Ethan stepped on the accelerator, speeding back to his estate.

What does Golden Bell want from me? She thought. Ethan noticed her crying face, sighed and silenced the radio. "Magnolia, would you trust me to keep your secrets?" He asked. She didn't answer. "Magnolia. I know what you are. And I promise to keep it all a secret." Ethan finally said, gaining Magnolia's attention. "Just explain to me what is happening." He begged. Magnolia finally faced Ethan.

"I think I'm being targeted by a rivaling pack." She let out her tears. Ethan wrapped an arm around her shoulder as he looked into the rear mirror. He saw three shady looking motorcyclists. And they want trouble when one of them drew out his shotgun. "Mag, buckle up." He unwrapped his arm and placed both hands on the wheel.

Magnolia was a little confused. She had her seat belt buckled already. Ethan suddenly jerked the car, and that motorcyclist ran straight into the car, obviously damaging the expensive Ferrari. And possibly killing the motorcyclist. "Oof!" Magnolia cried, almost suffocating on the belt. "Whoops." He laughed, speeding again. "What was that for?" She growled.

"For fun." Ethan joked even more, before glancing at Magnolia's glare. "Sorry," he coughed. Magnolia started to feel nauseous. Then she saw the speed indicator passing legal speed limit. "Ethan! You're past it!" She warned. "It's alright!" He chuckled, blasting the radio. Ethan, in fact, was afraid of the motorcyclists. But he can't let Magnolia know about their presence. The ride lasted for about another 10 minutes before Ethan drove into a private estate.

At the security post, he wound the window down and leaned out. "Don't let anyone else in." He ordered in Russian. The guard nodded and closed the gates as he drove in. "Don't you have any other family members?" She asked. "Nope. My dad's in Russia now. So it's only me at home." He replied, pulling over at a roundabout.

They got out, and were greeted by a housekeeper. She took Magnolia's bag, as well as Ethan's school bag and returned to the house. "Welcome to the Braginski Estate." He smiled, leading her in. "Also, Crescent Valley's just next door." Ethan led Magnolia to a large window with a perfect view of the scenery. "You live just this close to home?" She gasped, turning to him. He nodded.

"I've got a summer house in California too." He boasted. "Tomorrow's Sunday, so we'll head over to your house." He grinned. Magnolia beamed. "Thanks, Ethan." She blushed. "No problem. But I might have to tell RK, Stargazer and Firmament about it though." He added. Magnolia was disheartened. "Why?" Magnolia protested. "This is my problem! Not theirs!" She complained.

A deadly and menacing overwhelmed Magnolia as Ethan advanced on Magnolia, pushing her into a corner. He pulled out a metal rod from his sleeve and pressed it against her neck. "Weak against silver, aren't you?" He pulled a leacherous smile. Magnolia couldn't reply. She felt her energy draining, until she felt like she was suffocating.

"Wolf-shifters are the closest to werewolves. So their weaknesses should be about the same overall. But there are exceptions." Ethan leaned dangerously close to her. "And that is your family, who is the only one immune to wolfsbane." Magnolia struggled to lift her arms to reach his wrist, much less pry the rod off or push him away.

"It may not be their problem but I know that you won't be able to handle it on your own." Ethan growled, taking away the rod. Magnolia felt the oxygen rushing into her lungs as she sunk to her feet, gasping. "I'll bring you to your room." He mumbled, still angry from moments ago. He grabbed her arms and helped her up onto her feet.

・・・

Magnolia was given a plain white room, with a large window in full view of the sky and Crescent Valley. She had left her phone to charge in a corner as she sat on the window ledge, staring out into the night. She saw dim flashes of orange deep within the valley. Something was definitely happening. She heard the door open and turned around.

A maid was walking in with a tray of warm milk and cookies. Following behind was Ethan, in a night robe. The maid quickly set the tray next to Magnolia before hurrying out, as if afraid that she would be punished by her master. Ethan caught a glimpse of an orange flash. "Not again..." he mumbled, sitting down next to Magnolia. She turned and saw another flash. "Again?" She repeated.

Ethan nodded, helping himself to a glass of milk. "It's been going on for three days now." He took a sip. Magnolia turned to his hand that held the glass. He had his red string, dimly glowing and flying aimlessly. Ethan took a gulp, finishing the milk as Magnolia quickly turned to look into the scenery.

"I'll be off." He mumbled, bringing the glass along with him. Magnolia watched the Russian leave her room. After moments he had left, Magnolia hurried to bed, even though she wasn't tired.