“Yeah, I think I am. If I don’t, I’m afraid Jules will disown me and throw my body to the wolves so there isn’t a crime scene to clean up,” I awkwardly joke.
Spencer raises an eyebrow and his mouth curves up. “You’re so weird. Get in, I’ll drive you.”
That’s weird...He’ll drive me? What the hell is happening?
“Um, no thanks. That’s okay. I drove today. I’ll meet you there, though.”
“Alright, if you say so,” he flicks my nose and then looks me up and down a little too seductively. “See you soon.”
Is Spencer flirting with me? I quickly get into my car and frown as I look down at my shirt.
Completely see-through. Wonderful.
You can see the lace pattern of my black bra through my sweat-soaked white shirt. No fucking wonder Spencer was being so friendly...
Needing to change my shirt, I reach into my backseat and grab my tight black tank top, which always shows off my curves nicely.
Without thinking, I quickly peel off my shirt and put on the new one. Once my head is through the neck hole and I pull it down, I notice Spencer’s truck parked right next to my car, and he’s staring at me. One eyebrow is raised, and he bites his lip, then smiles. I could slap that smirk right off his face.
I flip him off, and he drives away.
Bastard.
Chapter 2
Dani
The drive isn’t far; everything in this town is super close together. Misty Hollow is a quaint town nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains. With a population of 1,204 residents, Misty Hollow is known for its perpetual drizzle and an enchanting, fog-laden atmosphere that creates a peaceful ambiance.
The town is characterized by cobblestone streets, which wind gracefully between charming, cozy cottages. Each cottage is decorated with colorful flower boxes that burst with blooms in every hue imaginable. Sometimes I think this town is straight up out of a fairytale book.
The gentle, persistent rain imbues the landscape with life, nurturing the lush greenery that blankets the area. Moss-covered trees stand proudly, their trunks thick with age, while vibrant wildflowers create a kaleidoscope of colors that dance in the breeze throughout the year.
This picturesque setting transforms the town into a haven of beauty and tranquility, inviting visitors to appreciate its serenity. Even amidst the steady drizzle, this town radiates a captivating charm. The town thrums with a rich and mysterious history interwoven with folklore, local legends, and whispers of the supernatural.
The persistent rain that cloaks the landscape has been woven into the fabric of its identity, believed by the townsfolk to stem from ancient magic that permeates the air. Many locals hold a steadfast belief that this town serves as a nexus for mystical forces, where ethereal energies convergeand dance through the mist and fog, adding to the town’s otherworldly charm. Misty Hollow is a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. Not many secrets can stay safe here.
According to local legend, Misty Hollow was founded centuries ago by a group of settlers seeking refuge from a severe drought. They discovered a valley containing an ancient, enchanted spring that continuously bubbled up fresh water. To ensure that the spring’s water never ran dry, the settlers formed a pact with a spirit they called the Witch of Misty Hollow. She was a guardian of nature who promised to bless the town with eternal rain in exchange for protecting her sacred grove, hidden deep within the forest.
The witch was known for her herbal remedies and deep understanding of the natural world. However, when a series of misfortunes struck the community—crop failures and mysterious illnesses—superstitious townsfolk turned against her, accusing her of dark magic.
Legend has it that the witch vanished into the woods during a stormy night, leaving behind a series of potions and a spellbook. Once she was captured by the men, they burned her alive in the woods. Some claim that on particularly rainy nights, you can hear her whispering through the trees, offering guidance to those who seek it and tricking those she has a vendetta against.
Fast-forward to today, no one knows where the witch’s house was. But I’m starting to guess it sat on the property of that crime scene I was just at.
Excitement washes over me as I revel in the thought of having an actual spellbook. The people in this town would shit themselves if they knew what I found.
As much as I wanted it to be real, I’m sure it’s just a bunch of hocus pocus.
Over the years, the residents of Misty Hollow have developed their traditions to honor the balance between nature and the supernatural.
Every year, during the Festival of Clouds, the townsfolk gather to perform rituals that celebrate the rain and the spirits of the valley. They create intricate mandalas from flower petals and offer them to the witch’s spirit, asking for her continued blessings. The bible thumpers really hate that. They say the Witch of Misty Hollow is the devil’s consort.
The fog that frequently blankets Misty Hollow is often said to be enchanted, hiding secrets, lost souls, and demonic creatures.
According to some tales, those who wander too deep into the fog may encounter visions of the past or even speak with the spirits of those who once lived in the town. Or get ripped to shreds by the demonic creatures that man has made up.
A group of local practitioners known as the Keepers of the Mist, convenes monthly. They study herbalism, divination, and the history of magic in the valley, determined to keep the witch’s legacy alive. Many believe their practices help maintain Misty Hollow’s harmony, ensuring the rain remains a source of life rather than despair, while others think they are all batshit crazy.
