Present Day, New York
(Back to Serena's POV)
"Are you saying… Uncle Benjamin was shot?" I asked, my voice cracking as hot tears streamed down my cheeks.
Tom couldn't hold back either—he was quietly sobbing, his hands trembling. Jason, Jared, and Aphrodite circled around us, trying their best to offer comfort, though words felt useless in that moment.
Alan let out a long, weary sigh. "I think so…"
His face looked hollow—like the life had been drained from his eyes. For a few long minutes, silence enveloped us like a heavy fog, thick with grief. No one dared speak. We were all lost in our own whirlpool of shock and sorrow.
Then, anger surged through me like fire in my veins.
"Why didn't you tell me all this earlier, Alan?" I demanded, my voice sharper than intended.
Alan flinched slightly, but he didn't shy away. "Serena, I was reeling from the shock myself. After that day, I couldn't sleep—I kept seeing his face, hearing the gunshot. I started researching the book, digging through the dark web, ancient archives—everything. I tried to track you down. I had your address, yes, but mailing the letter felt too risky. What if it fell into the wrong hands?"
He looked away for a moment before continuing.
"I finally made up my mind. Told my parents I wanted to pursue higher studies in New York. They were stunned, but luckily, I had an uncle here, and they agreed. I tried approaching you at school—more than once. But you brushed me off, every single time. I even wrote you a letter to meet up… but you ran away without a word."
"Oh… so that was what the letter was about," Jared said, the realization dawning on him.
"I'm sorry, Alan," I said softly, guilt creeping into my chest. "I ignored you because… well, you came off as rude that day. And honestly, I didn't have the headspace to deal with more drama."
Alan shrugged. "I was stressed, Serena. I was carrying this huge secret. Mr. Benjamin gave me the letter… and the watch. I made it my profile picture, hoping against hope that you'd recognize it. And you did."
He stood up and walked back toward his house. When he returned, he carried both the letter and the watch. With solemn eyes, he handed the letter to me and placed the watch gently into Tom's hands.
"This," he said, "rightfully belongs to you."
Tom hesitated at first, his hands hovering, shaking. But then, almost as if guided by some unseen force, he took it—and broke down into tears.
I glanced at the letter in my hands. The seal was still intact.
"You never opened it?" I asked, surprised.
Alan shook his head. "No."
"Why not?"
"Because it wasn't mine to open," he said simply. "I was curious—of course I was—but my morals wouldn't let me read someone else's letter. Especially one this important." His eyes shimmered with quiet conviction.
On the envelope was my name, written in that familiar cursive I hadn't seen in years. My address was scribbled below it in Uncle Benjamin's neat hand.
With trembling fingers, I opened it. The paper inside felt old, but the ink was bold—his words alive with emotion. I read it aloud:
---
My dearest Serena,
How are you, my little mouse? How is Mom and Dad? And my brother—your father—and your sweet mother? And how is my little Tom? I hope you're all doing well, my child.
I never wanted to involve you in this. But if you're reading this letter… that means it found its way to you. And that, in itself, is a miracle. I don't know if I'll still be alive when you read this. But Serena, listen closely. This is important—more than anything I've ever said to you.
I uncovered something during my biggest archaeological project—a book. Not just any book. A cursed one. A powerful one. Evil men are after it. Men who want to use it to bring destruction to this world. You must destroy it, Serena. For the sake of humanity.
The path ahead won't be easy. You'll face not only dark-hearted people, but spirits—malicious and malevolent. But there will be light too. Good people. Kind souls. And yes… even helpful spirits. They will guide you if you let them.
Remember the book I gave you for your birthday? Hidden within it are clues. Follow them. Trust yourself. And above all—never lose hope.
May the Light guide your way.
Your long-lost Uncle,
Benjamin